1. Construction Code Modernization
  2. Construction Code Amendments

Construction Code Amendments

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Houston's proposed 2021 Building Codes were presented to the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) Committee on August 24, 2023, for their approval. Houston Public Works Director Haddock reviewed and presented the codes to Mayor Turner. The approved codes were proposed to the City Council for adoption on October 25, 2023. The codes will go into effect on Monday, January 1,  2024.

Houston Amendments Addendum

 

 

Process arrow : Public Comment Period

Task Force Group 1: Building & Fire Codes

Public comments are no longer available for the building and fire codes. The proposed amendments are under review by the Legal department. Once complete, the proposed amendments will be presented to the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) Committee on August 24, 2023. A public notice will be provided once the TTI meeting has been scheduled.

The following links are provided for reference only and reflect the 2021 codes as they will be shown in the 2021 Houston Construction Code. 

Task Force Group 2: Residential & Pool Codes

Public comments are no longer available for the residential and pool codes. The proposed amendments are under review by the Legal department. Once complete, the proposed amendments will be presented to the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) Committee on August 24, 2023. A public notice will be provided once the TTI meeting has been scheduled.

The following links are provided for reference only and reflect the 2021 codes as they will be shown in the 2021 Houston Construction Code.  

Task Force Group 3: Energy Conservation & Performance Codes

Public comments are no longer available for the energy conservation codes. The proposed amendments are under review by the Legal department. Once complete, the proposed amendments will be presented to the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) Committee later this year. A public notice will be provided once the TTI meeting has been scheduled.

The following links are provided for reference only and reflect the 2021 codes as they will be shown in the 2021 Houston Construction Code.  

Task Force Group 4: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Codes

Public comments are no longer available for the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing codes.  The proposed amendments are under review by the Legal department.  Once complete, the proposed amendments will be presented to the Transporation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) Committee on August 24, 2023.  A public notice will be provided once the TTI meeting has been scheduled. 

The following links are provided for reference only and reflect the 2021 codes as they will be shown in the 2021 Houston Construction Code.  

Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB) Standards

Public comments are no longer available for the Life Safety Bureau Standards.  The Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau Standards are established in accordance with provisions of the City of Houston Fire Code.  The Houston Fire Department Life Safety are subject to administrative sections covering alternative materials and methods, modifications, and the Board of Appeals. Once complete, the proposed amendments will be presented to the Transporation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) Committee on August 24, 2023.  A public notice will be provided once the TTI meeting has been scheduled. 

Below are the Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau from 1-19 

  1. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  2. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  3. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  4. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  5. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  6. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  7. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  8. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  9. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  10. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  11. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  12. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  13. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  14. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  15. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  16. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  17. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  18. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)
  19. Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (HFD LSB)

Below are the Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau from 22-25

All amendments have been updated as of July 24, 2023

Technical Memos and Educational Papers

The following documents provide additional information to explain a new code or amendment.

Model Codes

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

The International Code Council offers free and paid access to its I-Codes Building Codes - ICC Digital Codes (iccsafe.org)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers free and paid access to its List of NFPA Codes and Standards:

  • National Electrical Code (NEC) 

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) offers free and paid access to its IAPMO: 

  • Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
  • Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers free and paid access to its family of standards and guidelines:

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) offers free online access to its Reading Room - Products & Services (astm.org)

The City of Houston offers free access to the Code of Ordinances.

 

The City of Houston is no longer accepting amendment proposals and public comments.