Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using EngineeringCriteria.com ("Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

EngineeringCriteria.com provides building code data, design criteria, and engineering parameters compiled from various public sources. The Service is intended to assist engineers and design professionals in obtaining preliminary design information.

3. Disclaimer of Warranties

We do not warrant that the data provided will be accurate, complete, current, or error-free. Building codes, design criteria, and engineering parameters change frequently, and there may be delays, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information provided through our Service.

4. Limitation of Liability

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

5. User Responsibilities

By using the Service, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You are a qualified professional or are working under the supervision of a qualified professional
• You will independently verify all data with the appropriate local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) before relying on such data for final design or construction
• You understand that building codes and design criteria vary by jurisdiction and change over time
• You are solely responsible for determining the applicable codes and criteria for your specific project
• The data provided is for informational and preliminary design purposes only
• You will not rely solely on the Service for life-safety-related design decisions

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless EngineeringCriteria.com and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of any third party.

7. Professional Responsibility

Nothing in this Service is intended to replace the professional judgment of a licensed engineer, architect, or other design professional. All design decisions remain the sole responsibility of the licensed professional of record. The Service does not provide engineering advice, and use of the Service does not create a professional-client relationship.

8. Data Sources and Accuracy

Data provided through the Service is compiled from various public sources including but not limited to ASCE, USGS, FEMA, NOAA, EPA, and local building departments. While we strive to keep this information current, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Source data may be updated at different intervals, and there may be discrepancies between our data and the most current official sources.

9. Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by EngineeringCriteria.com and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

10. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including breach of these Terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of any material changes by posting the new Terms on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@engineeringcriteria.com.