City of Austin 2021 Technical Code Changes
City of Austin 2021 Technical Code Changes
Welcome to the home page for the City of Austin 2021 Technical Code Adoptions. The Austin City Council voted on June 3, 2021, to adopt these updated technical codes, which go into effect September 1, 2021. Listed below are the updated Technical Code Adoptions, grouped by the Department responsible for managing the Code adoption process.
Each page includes presentations and other materials related to the specific Code adoption. Although the comment period has ended for these Technical Codes, these pages continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
For general comments, please email DSDEngagementUnit@austintexas.gov.
Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
The proposed changes for the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) were approved for adoption by the Austin City Council on June 3, 2021 and will go into effect on September 1, 2021. To see...
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
The proposed changes for the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) were approved for adoption by the Austin City Council on June 3, 2021 and will go into effect on September 1, 2021. To...
International Residential Code (IRC)
The proposed changes for the International Residential Code (IRC) were approved for adoption by the Austin City Council on June 3, 2021 and will go into effect on September 1, 2021....
International Building Code (IBC) & International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
The proposed changes for the International Building Code (IBC) & International Existing Building Code (IEBC) were approved for adoption by the Austin City Council on June 3, 2021...
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) [2021]
The proposed changes for the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) were approved for adoption by the Austin City Council on June 3, 2021. To view the final ordinance...
International Fire Code (IFC)
The proposed changes for the International Fire Code (IFC) were approved for adoption by the Austin City Council on June 3, 2021. To view the approved ordinance please click on...
Flood Hazard Areas
The proposed changes for Flood Hazard Areas (Chapter 25-12, Article 3) were approved for adoption by the Austin City Council on June 3, 2021 and will go into effect on September 1,...
Frequently Asked Questions
When a page is open for public comment, you will notice the button on the right-hand side of the project will indicate "participate." When you click the "participate" button you will be taken to the individual project page to provide your thoughts about the proposed Code change. Provide your thoughts in the available box and click "comment." Once a comment period has ended you will still be able to view the page and access the presentation/documents by selecting the "view results" button. We appreciate your thoughts and participation.
Development Services Department
- Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
- Comment period February 01, 2021 - February 21, 2021 (extended to February 28)
- Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
- Comment period February 01, 2021 - February 21, 2021 (extended to February 28)
- International Residential Code (IRC)
- Comment period February 22, 2021 - March 14, 2021
- International Building Code (IBC)
- Comment period February 22, 2021 - March 14, 2021
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- Comment period February 22, 2021 - March 14, 2021
- Article 3 Addition to Technical Codes
- Comment period April 23, 2021 - May 09, 2021
Austin Code Department
- International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- Comment period March 15, 2021 - April 15, 2021
Austin Energy
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- Comment period March 15, 2021 - April 15, 2021
Austin Fire
- International Fire Code (IFC)
- Comment period April 16, 2021 - April 27, 2021
Adopting the most recent codes help protect the health, safety and welfare of Austin residents by
- responding to new findings from building science research, field experience or changes in community expectations
- responding to building performance assessments following catastrophic events and increase resilience in new structures
- introducing new and innovative technologies and construction methods
- aligning with other current accepted codes and standards
Additionally, adopting and implementing revised codes within two years of publication date is one of the criteria to maintain our ISO Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) classification or ISO rating (currently at a class 3 for Commercial and class 4 for Residential). The BCEGS classification and ISO rating affect insurance rating for the City of Austin.
- Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) - May 2020
- Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) - May 2020
- International Building Code (IBC) - November 2020
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC) - December 2020
- International Residential Code (IRC) - December 2020
Although each Code follows the same process, the process begins at different times. Certain Codes require the involvement of a greater number of steps than others. Consequently, not all Codes will be adopted at the same time. Please check each page for greater detail about when each Code change is expected.