Application of building codes to historic structures has developed considerably over the past decade, which saw the amendment of regulations to encourage reuse of structures. Here is an overview of the situation in the United States, focusing on the background and activities that led to recent advances. Building codes keep up-to-date with modern materials and methods but are not useful in assessing the condition of historic structures, i.e., fire resistance or structural capacity. Existing level of performance is discussed as it applied to a particular site in Massachusetts. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and </i>Rehabilitation Guidelines</i>, nonconforming rights, and compliance alternatives are mentioned.