International Building Code (IBC)

This code was open again on June 25, 2024, to allow for additional public input.

In addition to the previous amendments included in the March-April engagement, the June update includes air conditioning requirements (Section 1203.1.1) and conditions that would allow for a single-exit stairway in some apartment homes (Section 420.12). The air-conditioning requirements address direction from the Austin City Council in August 2023 (Resolution No. 20230831-088), and the stairway addition addresses Council direction provided in May 2024 (Resolution No. 20240502-094).

Austin City Council will review the proposed changes for the International Building Code (IBC). Approved changes are scheduled for consideration by City Council on September 12, 2024, and will be implemented on January 1, 2025. 

The IBC is a model building code developed by the International Code Council. It has been adopted for use as a base code standard by most jurisdictions in the United States, including Austin. The IBC addresses both health and safety concerns for buildings based upon prescriptive and performance-related requirements. The IBC is intended to protect public health and safety while avoiding unnecessary costs and preferential treatment of specific materials or methods of construction.

The comment period for the proposed changes will be open through July 24, 2024. Responses to feedback made during the previous comment period are posted in the Documents section. Please contact DSDCommunications@austintexas.gov for general questions or if you need further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When a page is open for public comment, you will notice the button on the project indicates "learn more." The "learn more" button will take you to the individual project page. There, you can provide your feedback and questions about the proposed Code changes. Provide your comment in the available box and select "comment." After a comment period has ended, you can still view the page and access the presentation/documents by selecting "view results". We appreciate your participation.

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 to 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 required 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 the insurance rating for the City of Austin.

Although each Code follows the same process, the process occurs at different times for some Codes. Certain Codes also require more steps than others during review. Consequently, not all Codes will be adopted at the same time. Please check each page for more detail about the expected timeline for each Code change.

Question title

Please provide a comment or question about the Proposed International Building Code (IBC) 2024 Technical Code Changes in the space below. Please respond by Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Visit the DSD Public Meetings webpage to access the Technical Code Changes Webinar recording and slide deck from April 9, where the proposed changes to this code were discussed.