Houston Code Archive

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To learn more about the newly adopted codes (adopted on Monday, January 1, 2024) please visit: Construction Code Amendments.

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 Construction Code is adopted and amended by City Council. The latest revision was approved by Council on December 1, 2021, and became effective on April 1, 2022. The amendments, along with the model codes, constitute the City of Houston Codes.  

For information on the 2021 Construction Code adoption process, please visit the Construction Code Modernization page.

2015 Amendments

Select the links below to download and view the adopted amendments. 

Residential Energy: The enforcement of Chapter 11 of the 2015 International Residential Code became mandatory by state law effective September 1, 2016

Commercial Energy: The 2015 IECC-Commercial Provisions became effective November 1, 2016, per state law.

Please visit the Code Development page for additional reference material and guidance.

 

Life Safety Bureau Standards

Select the links below to download and review the Houston Fire Department's Life Safety Bureau Standards. 

 

Past Amendments

The previous amendments are listed for reference only.

 

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