Building Code Standards for Texas

Texas follows several building code standards.

The application of building code standards is an individual state decision as to which set of codes are most appropriate and useful. Texas follows three sets of empirical building codes: the Standard Building Code (SBC), the Uniform Building Code (UBC), and the International Building Code (IBC). The IBC standards were officially adopted by Texas in 2002, yet the viability of these newer standards have not been tested as to their uniform regulatory power, and are not considered to be autonomous to date.

Preeminent Standards

The Standard Building Code, like the Uniform Building Code, is an adaptation of the Building and Officials Code Administrators (BOCA) standards. BOCA regulations were the overriding set of standards from which state and local governmental entities derived subordinate sets of code standards, such as the SBC and UBC, until the universal adoption of the IBC. This event caused adjustments to be made in the regulatory functions of a city or state code enforcement agency, yet a cohesion still exists among all building code standards regarding acceptable construction and safety issues, regardless of the number of code standards in use.

UBC Standards

The UBC standards for all states, including Texas, were first established under the auspices of the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) in 1927. The UBC existed for decades as the overriding authority as to new and existing building construction, and reflected the same requirements for health and safety in building design as ICBO guidelines. These include fire safety issues, such as sufficient access to exits and efficient electrical systems, and general health safety issues, such as adequate running water and heating. Standards also address certification of contractors and inspectors responsible for ensuring the integrity and safety of a building.

SBC Standards

SBC regulations were adopted in Texas to include specific codes for the newer building construction trends. This was common among all states, and still is to date. Subsidiary adoptions of code standards are the way in which a state improves its ability to protect its citizenry while they work and reside in a building, and to keep current with changes in construction methods and architectural designs.

IBC Standards in Texas

The adoption of IBC building code standards by Texas added to and improved the way in which the state could oversee and regulate all of the building construction activity, regardless of any new building methods. Energy conservation is a major aspect of IBC standards, and Texas has addressed the issue by adopting such updated standards as the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Code.

How Code Standards Differ Across Texas

The authority to decide which set of building codes to use rests with the particular governmental entity that is responsible. This responsibility is delegated to state, county and municipal agencies by legislation, and results in many sets of building codes being regulated in one jurisdiction. For example, the city of Austin follows several sets of code standards as of 2010. These include National and Uniform Building Codes for plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems as well as International Building Codes pertaining to residential and commercial buildings, and energy conservation.

References

• The International Building Code: Benjamin Trombly
• State Energy Conservation Office: Notice of change in Energy and Water Conservation Design Standards
• City of Austin: Building Permit