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The main functions of the Code Development section include: 

  • Recommend building code updates and oversee the coordination and drafting of Houston amendments.  
  • Create Code Words that provide formal interpretations, policies, and procedures that aid in enforcement of the Houston Construction Code. 
  • Review requests for alternative materials, design, and methods of construction. 
  • Provide formal Code Interpretations for complex code items during any phase of a construction project. 
  • Distribute public notices to inform the general public and staff of any code changes, updates, and training seminars. 
  • Hosts public seminars and trainings as needed to give the public and staff an overview of the code changes, code updates, or frequently asked code questions. 
  • Administers the City of Houston (COH) Registration Program for Approved Agencies for Special Inspections & Testing, and for Approved Fabricators, in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Houston Building Code.

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Current Forms and Information

Document List

The main functions of the Code Development section include: 

  • Recommend building code updates and oversee the coordination and drafting of Houston amendments.  
  • Create Code Words that provide formal interpretations, policies, and procedures that aid in enforcement of the Houston Construction Code. 
  • Review requests for alternative materials, design, and methods of construction. 
  • Provide formal Code Interpretations for complex code items during any phase of a construction project. 
  • Distribute public notices to inform the general public and staff of any code changes, updates, and training seminars. 
  • Hosts public seminars and trainings as needed to give the public and staff an overview of the code changes, code updates, or frequently asked code questions. 
  • Administers the City of Houston (COH) Registration Program for Approved Agencies for Special Inspections & Testing, and for Approved Fabricators, in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Houston Building Code.

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2021 Code Amendments

List Description

The Houston Construction Code establishes minimum standards for the construction, alteration, maintenance, repair, and demolition of buildings and other structures to protect the life safety of the public. The Houston amendments, along with the model codes, constitute the City of Houston Construction Code. 

The proposed 2021 Houston Construction Code was presented to City Council and Mayor Turner for adoption on October 25, 2023. The 2021 Houston Construction Code went into effect on Monday, January 1,  2024. 

Document List

The main functions of the Code Development section include: 

  • Recommend building code updates and oversee the coordination and drafting of Houston amendments.  
  • Create Code Words that provide formal interpretations, policies, and procedures that aid in enforcement of the Houston Construction Code. 
  • Review requests for alternative materials, design, and methods of construction. 
  • Provide formal Code Interpretations for complex code items during any phase of a construction project. 
  • Distribute public notices to inform the general public and staff of any code changes, updates, and training seminars. 
  • Hosts public seminars and trainings as needed to give the public and staff an overview of the code changes, code updates, or frequently asked code questions. 
  • Administers the City of Houston (COH) Registration Program for Approved Agencies for Special Inspections & Testing, and for Approved Fabricators, in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Houston Building Code.

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Codes Resources

List Description

Code-Related Documents 

 

Code Words

The Code Words are a set of interpretations, written policies, and procedures to aid in the application of the Houston Construction Codes.

 

Code Comparisons Documents

These documents compare the changes between the current and previously adopted codes and Houston amendments.  

 

Model Codes

The City of Houston does not have the model codes available. They can be purchased through their respective publisher or viewed online by using the following web links: 

  • The International Code Council offers free and paid access to its family of International codes: 
    • International Building Code (IBC)  
    • International Residential Code (IRC)  
    • International Fire Code (IFC) 
    • International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 
  • The National Fire Protection Association offers free and paid access to its family of codes and standards: 
    • National Electrical Code (NEC)  
  • The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials offers free and paid access to its family of Uniform codes:  
    • Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) 
    • Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) 
    • Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code 
    • Uniform Solar, Hydronics, and Geothermal Code 
  • The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers offers free and paid access to its family of standards and guidelines: 
  • The American Society for Testing and Materials offers free online access to its family of Standards 
  • The City of Houston offers free access to the Code of Ordinances 

The main functions of the Code Development section include: 

  • Recommend building code updates and oversee the coordination and drafting of Houston amendments.  
  • Create Code Words that provide formal interpretations, policies, and procedures that aid in enforcement of the Houston Construction Code. 
  • Review requests for alternative materials, design, and methods of construction. 
  • Provide formal Code Interpretations for complex code items during any phase of a construction project. 
  • Distribute public notices to inform the general public and staff of any code changes, updates, and training seminars. 
  • Hosts public seminars and trainings as needed to give the public and staff an overview of the code changes, code updates, or frequently asked code questions. 
  • Administers the City of Houston (COH) Registration Program for Approved Agencies for Special Inspections & Testing, and for Approved Fabricators, in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Houston Building Code.

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Trainings

List Description

The Customer Assistance and Code Development (CACD) group assists the Building Code Enforcement department and the general public by providing training and education on the building codes being enforced in Houston.  

The following training and educational items have been developed for staff and the general public to help inform of significant code changes, explain technical or complex code related items, and provide guidance on enforcement of the Houston Construction Code. 

Code Training Presentations 

The Building Code Enforcement team has made available the following slides from their 2024 training presentations on specific code topics:

2021 Significant Code Change Trainings 

Between January and March 2024 the CACD and Construction Code Modernization groups provided a series of trainings to staff and stakeholders covering significant changes to the 2021 code editions and updates to the 2021 Houston amendments. The slides used in these training presentations are provided in the significant change documents below: 

Technical Memos and Educational Papers 

The following documents were created to provide additional technical information for certain complex code items and new Houston amendments to the 2021 code editions. 

Houston Permitting 101

The following documents provide a general overview explaining the basics of residential and commercial permitting at the Houston Permitting Center. 

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.  

The main functions of the Code Development section include: 

  • Recommend building code updates and oversee the coordination and drafting of Houston amendments.  
  • Create Code Words that provide formal interpretations, policies, and procedures that aid in enforcement of the Houston Construction Code. 
  • Review requests for alternative materials, design, and methods of construction. 
  • Provide formal Code Interpretations for complex code items during any phase of a construction project. 
  • Distribute public notices to inform the general public and staff of any code changes, updates, and training seminars. 
  • Hosts public seminars and trainings as needed to give the public and staff an overview of the code changes, code updates, or frequently asked code questions. 
  • Administers the City of Houston (COH) Registration Program for Approved Agencies for Special Inspections & Testing, and for Approved Fabricators, in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Houston Building Code.

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ICC Houston Chapter

List Description

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]. 

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Contact

1002 Washington Ave., 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
832.394.9000
[email protected]
[email protected]
8:00 am to 4:30 pm