Mass Construction Show Keep Codes & Laws Free w/ Scott Reynolds of Upcodes
Sep 30, 2025
Scott Reynolds, co-founder of UpCodes and an architect, dives into the complexities of building and fire codes. He shares his journey launching UpCodes to demystify regulations, emphasizing the importance of keeping codes public and accessible. The conversation covers the legal battles faced to ensure transparency, how AI is transforming code compliance, and the tension between safety and overregulation. Scott also discusses the implications of the Pro Codes Act and the need for collaboration in the construction industry to enhance affordability and resilience.
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Lawsuits Over Publishing Codes
- UpCodes was hit with multiple lawsuits after publishing adopted codes online for free.
- They and allied public-interest groups have repeatedly won judicial rulings that adopted codes enter the public domain.
Court Rulings Favor Public Access
- Courts have consistently held that laws adopted by government are not copyrightable.
- With repeated rulings, the legal precedent strongly favors free public access to adopted codes.
“Publicly Accessible” Can Still Be Restricted
- SDOs argue 'publicly accessible online' even if access requires accounts or limits copying.
- Scott warns such hamstrung access undermines real public access and pushes users toward paid subscriptions.