| Change | When | What it costs / means | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Title 24 Building Code (2024 IBC/IRC base) | In effect Jan 1, 2026 | Design & permit to the newest edition — don't cite an older one. Failed plan check = redesign + delay. | Open → |
| 2025 CA Energy Code (Part 6) | In effect Jan 1, 2026 | Stricter than before, and CA uses its OWN energy code — NOT the IECC. Use CEC compliance forms or you fail Title 24 energy. | CEC → |
| Local "reach codes" | Varies | Cities can require MORE than the state floor. State code is the minimum, not the answer — check the jurisdiction. | Local AHJ |
| Prevailing-wage / CEQA streamlining bills | Watch — verify | Several 2025–26 bills attach labor conditions to CEQA exemptions. Confirm the signed version before counting on a faster path. | Verify |
| Change | When | What it costs / means | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| No single state code | Always | The edition depends entirely on the city/county. "Arizona code" is a trap — confirm edition + amendments per project. | ICC → |
| Cochise County → 2024 I-Codes + 2023 NEC | Sept 1, 2026 | But it KEPT the 2012 energy code — you can't infer energy rules from the building edition. Check energy separately. | County → |
| SB 1529 — pre-approved plans | Watch — SF/ADU Jul 1, 2026; triplex Jan 1, 2027 | Could speed permitting for homes/ADUs if it holds. Confirm enactment before planning around it. | Verify |
| Change | When | What it costs / means | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 I-Codes w/ WA amendments (WAC Title 51) | Staged / delayed | NOT one switch-on date. Confirm the current effective edition + transition rule in writing before you design or bid. | WAC 51 → |
| HB 2191 — payment risk up the chain | Watch — verify | Could shift wage-payment exposure up the contracting chain. Re-read before signing owner & subcontract agreements. | Verify |
| Prevailing-wage enforcement | Active | Wrong rate or missing filings = real penalties on public work. L&I is recording violations. | L&I |
| Change | When | What it costs / means | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB26-1311 — retainage released against a bond | Aug 12, 2026 | Post a bond to free up withheld retainage sooner instead of waiting for final completion. Cash-flow win if you use it. | CO Leg → |
| SB26-074 — penalty for excessive claims | Aug 12, 2026 | Knowingly inflating a lien / bond claim can forfeit it. Document every dollar you demand — padding now bites back. | CO Leg → |
| SB26-109 — accessibility | May 5, 2026 | Updated accessibility scope on affected (publicly-supported) housing. Price it into design & bids. | CO Leg → |
| Building code | Local | Adopted by city/county — confirm the edition per jurisdiction. | ICC → |
| Change | When | What it costs / means | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| State code = 2021 IBC/IRC + 2018 energy (as amended), RSA 155-A | In effect | A statewide baseline — but it's the floor. Towns add their own rules. Confirm what the town requires on top. | RSA 155-A → |
| HB 1159 — code/enforcement update | Watch — verify | Pending. Could change which edition is adopted / how it's enforced. Confirm status before assuming a change. | Verify |
| Plug-in ("balcony") solar | Jan 1, 2027 | Certain plug-in solar allowed. Note the date + conditions if you touch small-scale solar. | Verify |
| Change | When | What it costs / means | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 I-Codes (IBC/IRC/IMC/IPC/IFGC/IEBC) + OK amendments | Effective Sep 14, 2026 | Statewide minimum jumped from 2018 to 2024. A fall permit is on the transition line — confirm which edition governs your job. | ICC OK → |
| Energy code lags | Now | Don't assume energy jumped to 2024 too — OK's residential energy floor has historically trailed. Check energy separately. | OUBCC → |
| Local adoption on top | Varies | OUBCC sets the floor; cities enforce and can adopt newer/own amendments. Confirm the edition per jurisdiction. | Local AHJ |
| Change | When | What it costs / means | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| No statewide building code | Always | Each city adopts & amends its own IBC/IRC edition (Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio all differ). Confirm per jurisdiction. | ICC TX → |
| Big metros → 2024 I-Codes | 2026–2027 | Austin is on the 2024 codes; others adopt on staggered dates. Don't assume your city's edition. | ICC TX → |
| Statewide energy + electrical | Now | Energy floor via SECO (historically ~2015 IECC); NEC statewide via TDLR. These are consistent; the building code is not. | SECO / TDLR |
| Change | When | What it costs / means | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 MI codes (bldg/mech/plumb/comm. energy) | 2024–2025 | Commercial is settled on the 2021 Michigan editions — price to them. | LARA → |
| 2021 Residential + energy PAUSED | Jul 2025 court order | The 2015 residential code may still govern homes until litigation resolves. Confirm the enforced edition with LARA before you draw. | LARA BCC → |
| One statewide code | Now | LARA sets it statewide = predictable across jurisdictions; just verify the residential status. | Statewide |
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General information, not legal or code advice. Current as of October 30, 2026, compiled from cited public sources. Codes and laws change and local jurisdictions vary — always confirm the controlling edition, amendments and effective dates with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and qualified counsel. "Watch — verify" items are not yet final law. Links go to the official free source; ParcelBrief does not reproduce copyrighted code text.