UpCodes vs Compliarch: Which Building Code Tool is Right for You?

Choosing the right building code compliance tool can significantly impact your project efficiency. This comparison helps you understand the key differences between UpCodes and Compliarch.

Overview

UpCodes

UpCodes is a well-established building code platform focused primarily on US codes. It offers a searchable database of codes, an AI assistant (Copilot), and collaboration features.

Compliarch

Compliarch is a global building regulations platform that uses AI to find codes for any address worldwide. It covers 195 countries and includes an AI chatbot for regulation questions.

Feature Comparison

Feature	UpCodes	Compliarch
Geographic Coverage	Primarily US	195 countries
AI Assistant	Copilot (US codes)	Global AI chatbot
Address-based Search	Limited	Core feature
Jurisdiction Levels	State/City	International to Municipal
Free Tier	Limited access	4 example addresses
Offline Access	Yes (some plans)	No

Coverage Comparison

UpCodes Coverage

UpCodes excels in US coverage:

50 states
Major city codes (NYC, Chicago, LA, etc.)
1,700+ state and city codes
160,000+ local amendments
Regular updates (~7,000/month)

**Limitation**: International coverage is limited. If you work on projects outside the US, you may need additional resources.

Compliarch Coverage

Compliarch provides global coverage:

195 countries worldwide
International codes (IBC, ISO, etc.)
National building standards
State/provincial codes
Municipal regulations

**Strength**: Ideal for firms working on international projects or in multiple countries.

AI Capabilities

UpCodes Copilot

Built on GPT-4
Trained on US building codes
Answers code questions with citations
Integrates with their code database
US-focused knowledge

Compliarch AI Assistant

Answers questions about any address
Global regulation knowledge
Multi-jurisdiction understanding
Natural language queries
Source links for verification

Use Case Recommendations

Choose UpCodes If:

**You work exclusively in the US** - Deep US coverage is unmatched
**You need offline access** - Some plans include downloadable content
**You want assembly research** - Strong building assembly database
**Your team needs collaboration** - Good team features

Choose Compliarch If:

**You work internationally** - 195-country coverage
**You need address-based lookup** - Enter any address, get all codes
**You work across jurisdictions** - See all applicable levels at once
**You're starting global projects** - Understand new markets quickly

Pricing Considerations

Both platforms offer tiered pricing:

**Free tiers** exist but with limitations
**Pro plans** unlock full features
**Team plans** add collaboration

Consider your usage patterns:

How many projects per month?
How many team members need access?
Do you need international coverage?

The Verdict

**Neither tool is universally "better"**—the right choice depends on your specific needs:

**US-focused firms**: UpCodes' deep US coverage may be more valuable
**International firms**: Compliarch's global coverage is essential
**Multi-national projects**: Consider using both tools

Try Before You Commit

Both platforms offer ways to test before purchasing:

UpCodes has a limited free tier
Compliarch offers 4 free example addresses

We recommend testing both with a real project to see which better fits your workflow.

Conclusion

The building code compliance tool market has matured significantly, with specialized options for different use cases. UpCodes remains strong for US-focused work, while Compliarch opens up global compliance research.

The best tool is the one that saves you the most time on the projects you actually work on. Consider your geographic focus, project types, and team needs when making your decision.