Building Codes
The federal statutes, Texas statutes, and local ordinances occasionally adopt, incorporate, or refer to technical codes published by independent organizations. These codes describe scientific and safety standards for structures and discuss specifications for fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing fixtures, construction practices, and many other topics. Below you will find links to some of the codes that have been adopted in the Texas statutes.
Municipalities are generally permitted to adopt updated editions of these codes and make some amendments in their ordinances. Though the codes are not reprinted within the statutes or the municipal/county ordinances themselves -- they are "adopted by reference" or "incorporated by reference" -- they are available to review at the city clerk's office and at some public libraries. Please contact your local public library or your city/county officials for assistance accessing codes not available online.
For more information about the practice of "adopting by reference" or "incorporating by reference," see this explanation of "incorporation by reference" from the National Archives. Though the information on that page refers to the practice as used by the federal government, it serves as a good description of the practice itself.
The codes below are published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the International Code Council (ICC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Please note that the IAPMO does not provide free access to their publications.
Electrical and Fire Codes
International Fire Code (ICC), adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 233.062
National Electrical Code* (NFPA), adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 214.214, Texas Natural Resources Code § 91.019, and Texas Occupations Code § 1202.151 and § 1305.101
Uniform Fire Code* (NFPA), adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 233.062
* The NFPA allows limited online access to their publications. In order to view them, you must first set up a profile and agree to their licensing restrictions. Select "Preview the document before you buy" for access.
Energy Conservation Codes
International Energy Conservation Code (ICC), adopted by Texas Health & Safety Code § 388.003
Mechanical Codes
International Mechanical Code (ICC), adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1302.101
Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO), adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1302.101.
Plumbing Codes
International Plumbing Code (ICC), adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1301.255
Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO), adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1301.255
Structural Codes
International Building Code (ICC), adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 214.216
International Existing Building Code (ICC), adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1202.1535
International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (ICC), adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 214.212 and § 233.153, Texas Health & Safety Code § 388.003, and Texas Insurance Code § 2210.251
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
The IAPMO does not provide free access to their publications.
Uniform Mechanical Code, adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1302.101
Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1301.255
International Code Council (ICC)
The ICC was formed from the merger of the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), and the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI). References in the statutes to those groups now mean the ICC. See the complete list of ICC codes available online here.
International Building Code, adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 214.216
International Energy Conservation Code, adopted by Texas Health & Safety Code § 388.003
International Existing Building Code, adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1202.1535
International Fire Code, adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 233.062
International Mechanical Code, adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1302.101
International Plumbing Code, adopted by Texas Occupations Code § 1301.255
International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 214.212 and § 233.153, Texas Health & Safety Code § 388.003, and Texas Insurance Code § 2210.251
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA allows limited online access to their publications. In order to view them, you must first set up a profile and agree to their licensing restrictions. Select "Preview the document before you buy" for access.
National Electrical Code, adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 214.214, Texas Natural Resources Code § 91.019, and Texas Occupations Code § 1202.151 and § 1305.101
Uniform Fire Code, adopted by Texas Local Government Code § 233.062