As you sort of suggest, there are two kinds of building codes. "(component) in (buildings of this type) will be able to support a static load of x kilograms pe

As you sort of suggest, there are two kinds of building codes. "(component) in (buildings of this type) will be able to support a static load of x kilograms per square meter". "(component) in (buildings of this type) will be made according to one of these specific designs". The first kind provides for adequate safety. The second stifles innovation. Geodesic domes should absolutely be held to the same safety standards as other designs. But you shouldn't have to go through some nightmarish variance process in every single jurisdiction to build one, especially since most areas use some variation of one of the national or international codes. Engineers should be able to have a new design analyzed and tested by independent testing labs, and then it should be automatically approved across all jurisdictions -- now, not three years from now when the new edition of the code comes out.