Building Energy Code

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the BCAP websites.

The Kentucky Building Code (KBC) is updated every three years on a cycle one year behind the publication year for the International Building Code. Any changes to the code by the state of Kentucky are submitted to the Board of Housing for review by the Office of Housing, Buildings, and Construction Division of Building Codes Enforcement. The division is then responsible for complying with code changes and amendments.

Local jurisdictions are required to follow the statewide energy provisions and are not allowed to reference or enforce any other standard or code other than the KBC. The exception to this requirement is that jurisdictions may enforce Kentucky Residential Code as an alternative method of compliance when the scope of coverage has been extended to include homes that are not trade-name or brand-name homes

The 2013 Kentucky Building Code (KBC – applies to commercial buildings), which is based on the 2012 IECC Mandatory, became effective October 1, 2014.  The 2013 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC – applies to residential buildings) is based in the 2012 IRC Mandatory and 2009 IECC and took effect  October 1, 2014.

To access forms and publications of the Division of Building Code Enforcement, click here.