Code Development

Current Codes

The 2015 Construction Code Package became effective on April 1, 2022. The Houston Amendments to the current adopted codes are listed below. The amendments, along with the model codes, constitute the City of Houston Codes. 

Note: The City of Houston does not have the model codes available. They can be purchased through their respective publisher.

Current Code Amendments

Code-Related Documents 

• Code Adoption History for Houston Codes 
• List of Adopted Codes - A table of the adopted codes including the names and phone numbers of their publishers
• Past Code Amendments – Only the code amendments from the previous code cycle are available.
• Code Change Proposal Process - Guide for submitting proposed code changes
• Code Change Proposal Form - This form should be completed when submitting a proposed code change during an established comment period. Below are two examples of how the form should be completed:
  • Example 1
  • Example 2

Residential Energy Code Documents

• Energy Compliance Information Certificate - At the request of several of the builders in the Houston area, we have created an Energy Compliance Sticker to be Printed and permanently attached inside the electrical panel as per Section 401.3 of the Houston Energy Code. This sticker can be printed on Avery® Labels 6876. Note: If preferred, a builder can use their own compliance sticker.

Commercial Energy Code Documents

Commissioning in Plans Guideline

Electrical Code Documents

Examples for Concrete-Encased Grounding Electrode

Code Words

The Code Words are a set of interpretations, written policies, and procedures to aid in the application of construction codes.

2015 Construction Code

• 2015 Code Words (updated Jan. 3, 2023)
• Code Word 2015-B01 Building Permits and Applicable Code of Record
• Code Word 2015-B02 Single Family Dwelling Building Permit Fee
• Code Word 2015-B35 Solar App Alternate Method
• Code Word 2015-A01 Appendix U Clarification
  • Solar Ready Example Drawing

2012 Construction Code

• 2012 Code Word

Code Comparisons

These documents compare the changes between the current and previously adopted code amendments and include justification and analysis for each change. 

• 2015 IBC Code Comparison SC - Final
• 2015 IFC Code Comparison - Final
• 2015 IRC Code Comparison SC - Final
• 2015 UMC Code Comparison - Final
• 2015 UPC Code Comparison - Final
• 2018 ISPSC Code Comparison - Final
• 2020 NEC Code Comparison - Final
• SolarAPP Code Requirements (IRC Only) Comparison

The Code Development group is coordinating the Houston Chapter of the International Code Council. This chapter was formed in 2019 as a forum for government code officials and construction industry professionals to come together to discuss community advocacy, education, and training.

Become a member

Government professionals, trade professionals, and students are welcome to become members. You can join online or email the membership form to [email protected]. 

The Code Development section has hosted several seminars for the public since its creation in 2006, including the following:

• Residential Permitting 101
• Commercial Permitting 101

Additionally, we assist in the organization and planning of the Houston Building Professional Institute held yearly by the Construction Research Center.

2015 Building Code Webinars

In June 2022, Code Development hosted a series of webinars covering the local amendments to the 2015 building code. Recordings of the webinars are provided below.

2015 IRC Houston Amendments (part 1)

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2015 IRC Houston Amendements (part 2)

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2015 IBC Houston Amendments Part 1 (section 1)

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2015 IBC Houston Amendments Part 1 (section 2)

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2015 IBC Houston Amendments Part 2

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Code training from other organizations 

The following organizations offer code-related training. These organizations are not affiliated with the City of Houston. If you are interested in more information regarding training offered through these organizations, please contact the organization directly. 

• International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 
• International Code Council