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 DOE and BCAP websites.

Changes to the energy code are submitted to the Uniform Building Code Commission. The proposed change is reviewed by the Commission at a monthly meeting to decide if it warrants further consideration. If accepted, the Commission determines if enforcement will be enacted as a statewide amendment or restricted to a specific locality.

Effective July 1, 2016, all residential and commercial buildings must comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) using the compliance pathways, plan submittal, and plan review as specified within that code. Plans and specifications must be submitted when required by the local jurisdiction. Field inspections, as part of the normal building inspection process, are required prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 

If the local compliance agency refuses to establish a method of appeal to their interpretation and application of the State Uniform Building Standards, the appealing party may petition the Building Code Commission for agency action on the issue.