alabama
Updated 3/15/2025
Overview
State Adoption: The 2021 IRC has been adopted by the Department of Finance – Division of Construction Management for state-owned property and/or using state funds, on all public and private kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools, on public postsecondary schools, on hotels/motels, and on movie theaters.
Local Adoption: For residential and most commercial properties, code adoption and enforcement are determined by local municipalities and counties. Alabama law permits these local governments to adopt model building codes.
As of October 1, 2024, through Act #2024-443, ADECA (Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs) no longer serves as secretary of the Alabama Energy Codes Board, which was repealed through that legislation. The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board was given the authority to establish a new Residential Building Code Advisory Council, and the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors was given the authority to establish a new Commercial Energy Code Advisory Committee. Due to the existing transition for building code adoption and enforcement, we recommend contacting the respective boards or visiting their websites linked above.
CodePro Uses the Following Codes for Answers:
- 2015 International Residential Code
- Alabama Amendments to the 2015 IRC
- 2018 International Plumbing Code
- 2020 NEC (National Electric Code)
Additional Resources
- Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
This board now oversees the Residential Building Code Advisory Council, which may provide guidance on residential code updates.
Website: https://hblb.alabama.gov
Phone: (800) 304-0853 Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
Responsible for the new Commercial Energy Code Advisory Committee, this board can offer insights into commercial building codes and energy-related requirements.
Website: https://genconbd.alabama.gov
Phone: (334) 272-5030State Fire Marshal’s Office
Handles code enforcement in areas without local jurisdiction. They can clarify the default codes applied in unincorporated areas.
Website: https://firemarshal.alabama.gov
Phone: (334) 241-4166ADECA (Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs)
Although ADECA is no longer managing the Alabama Energy Codes Board, they may still offer some historical or transitional information.
Website: https://adeca.alabama.gov
Phone: (334) 242-5290City or County Building Departments
Many cities (e.g., Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile) and counties have their own building codes or amendments. Users should always check with their local building department for region-specific codes.International Code Council (ICC)
Since Alabama relies on various ICC model codes (IRC, IPC, NEC), users can directly explore resources or purchase code books from the ICC.
Website: https://www.iccsafe.org
- Adoption Category
Hybrid
- Amendments
State & Local
Hybrid Adoption
A hybrid adoption system means codes can vary at state and local level. Many times the state establishes a base code for building regulations and local jurisdictions then have the authority to amend or adopt more stringent requirements. This allows flexibility for cities and counties to tailor codes to their specific needs while maintaining a foundational standard set at the state level.