Which of the following is a key goal of building codes?

A primary goal of building codes is to ensure public safety and welfare. Building codes are regulations set by local, state, or national authorities that dictate the minimum construction standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. This includes aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, electrical safety, and accessibility features.

These codes serve to mitigate hazards that can arise during construction and in the usage of the buildings themselves, thus creating safer environments for occupants and the surrounding community. While improving safety can sometimes influence costs, standardization of aesthetic elements or promotion of specific architectural styles are not core objectives of building codes. Instead, the focus is on defining acceptable practices that prevent accidents and ensure that buildings can withstand the forces they face over time.