Welcome to the City of Houston’s Construction Code Modernization project page! We encourage all stakeholders to participate as we prepare for the adoption of the 2021 Building Codes.
Construction codes significantly mitigate the effects of hurricanes, storm surges, and extreme weather changes. By staying current with our building codes, we can help our residents protect their homes and businesses by providing safer, more resilient construction that will support greater economic security and public safety.
There are several ways to contribute to the Construction Code Modernization project. Sign up for the newsletter, join a committee, or submit a code amendment.
Stay Informed - Get Involved
Sign Up for Trainings!
To register for the training, please complete the registration form below. We will send you and your organization an email as soon as the courses become available.
Submit a Public Comment for the 2021 Building Codes
Code Amendments
Frequently Asked Questions
Select the +/- symbol to reveal or hide responses or download a copy of the frequently asked questions.
What is Houston's Code Modernization project?
The Houston Public Works mandate for this code adoption is to adopt the 2021 Code Editions as a base code with local amendments that:
- Help strengthen and ensure long-term sustainability and resiliency in Houston,
- Do not reduce the fire- or life-safety provisions without providing an equivalency to what’s found in the base code, and
- Comply with the intent of the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety for the purpose intended.
For more information, review page 8 of the Public Participation Plan.
When will legal finalize the 2021 codes?
The City of Houston's legal will finalize the 2021 codes on August 14, 2023.
When will the final proposed 2021 Building Codes be published for comment?
The final proposed building codes will be published from August 21, 2023 - September 19, 2023.
When will the 2021 Building Codes be adopted?
The projected date is January 1, 2024. City Council will determine the actual date.
Can I submit a written comment on any concern I have regarding Houston's 2021 Building Code Amendments?
Yes, please visit https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/construction-code-modernization and click on ‘Submit a Public Comment’.
Can I make a public comment regarding the 2021 updated codes in person or virtually?
Yes. You may speak at the Houston Council Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting when Houston Public Works submits the proposed 2021 Building Codes.
When and where is the Houston Council Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee Meeting?
The Houston Council Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee (TTI) meeting is on August 24, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. and will be held at the City Hall 900, Bagby Street, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002.
Is there a time limit to speak at the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee (TTI) Meeting?
Yes, the time allowed will be 1-2 minutes, depending on the number of people that register to speak.
What is the last day to register for Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) Committee Meeting?
You can register until 4:59 on August 23, 2023.
When will the new building codes go into effect?
The projected effective date is January 1, 2024. City Council will determine the actual date, which will be, at a minimum, a 30-day notice from the date of City Council adoption.
Which projects fall under the old codes?
Only projects submitted after the effective date of the 2021 Construction Code will need to comply with the 2021 editions of the codes. Projects can continue to be grandfathered under the 2015 Construction Code as long as an application for development was submitted before the 2021 Construction Code effective date. (See Code Word 2015-B01 for more information on “grandfathering” and the “code of record” – This will continue to be applicable after the 2021 Construction Code adoption.)
Will you offer any trainings on the 2021 Building Codes?
Yes, starting in January 2024, training sessions will be provided on “significant changes on various codes within the 2021 Building Codes”. More details will be available on the website in December.
Will training for the 2021 Building Codes be in-person or online?
The trainings will be held in person and online. The PowerPoint presentation will be available on the website after the date of the presentation. Please return to the website in December 2023 for more information.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can contact us at [email protected].
About the Project
In this publication, you will find more about the history of the project, the overall CCM timeline, our goals and objectives for the CCM project, as well as specific tasks and action items. Additionally, there will be information on the code adoption process, examples of the various forms and information required for code recommendations, and corresponding guidelines that will assist everyone in understanding the CCM project’s structure and outreach efforts.
Timeline
The Construction Code Modernization project began in mid-June of 2022 and will take two years to successfully complete the six tasks. The Stakeholder kick-off meeting was held on Dec. 16, 2022. A copy of the presentation can be viewed and downloaded here.
Task Force and Committee meetings will begin in late December 2022 and will last through April 2023.
For more details about the project, review the Public Participation Plan.