In force in Texas

Fire, building, elevator, boiler and pool codes in force in Texas now.

Who enforces each one, what edition applies, and what changes next. 5 of 8 state-level topic areas checked against primary sources. Federal OSHA state.

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In force in Texas now

Statewide · county and city rules sit on top
AreaIn forceAuthorityNext
FireState Fire Marshal's Office inspection standards: NFPA 101 (2021) and NFPA 1 (2021), effective Sep 1, 2023 (TDI page; rule cited as 28 TAC 34.301 ff.)TDI page (last updated 3/25/2025): the 2021 NFPA 101 is the SFMO adopted inspection standard and NFPA 1 (2021) is used for SFMO staff inspections; where other codes cover design elements the Life Safety Code prevails, and deviations need State Fire Marshal approval. The page lists no specific proposed rules. SourceChecked on the sourceMunicipal fire marshals under local ordinances; Texas State Fire Marshal's Office (TDI) for state buildings and areas without local fire ordinancesIn forceIn force; no proposed rules listed on the TDI page (re-read Oct 21, 2026; links to a proposed and adopted rules section)
BuildingIBC 2012 statutory municipal floor (Local Gov't Code §214.216); cities adopt newer editions locally; 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TDLR)Statute page not readable on the official portal; enrolled H.B. 738 (87R) sets Local Gov't Code 214.216: the IBC as it existed May 1, 2012 is the municipal commercial code, with local amendments and later ICC editions allowed. TDLR enforces accessibility (2012 TAS). Local building officials handle permits; the city confirms the edition in force. SourceReported, in verificationMunicipal building officials (no statewide enforcement agency); TDLR for accessibility (16 TAC Ch. 68) and modular buildingsRulemaking pendingWatch: 2025 bills proposed moving 214.216 to the IBC as of May 1, 2018 (H.B. 871, 89R committee substitute, work from Jan 1, 2026; H.B. 306, 89th 2nd called session, introduced, work from Jan 1, 2027); enactment not confirmed on official pages
ElevatorsHealth & Safety Code Ch. 754 and 16 TAC Ch. 74 (TDLR). CONFLICT on code edition: TDLR FAQ (read) lists ASME A17.1-2007 for contracts after 9-1-2008; TDLR plan-review page (earlier read) lists A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16 and A18.1-2005TDLR FAQ (read): equipment is inspected every 12 months; the owner files the signed report and fees within 30 days of inspection; the Certificate of Compliance is displayed in a publicly visible area. Since Apr 22, 2026 (TDLR notice), accidents, incidents and reportable conditions use one combined report form. Ch. 74 is under rule review. SourceReported, in verificationTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Elevator and Escalator Safety program; inspections by TDLR-registered inspectorsRule review opened Jun 19, 2026TDLR notice of intent to review 16 TAC Ch. 74 (51 TexReg 4017, Jun 19, 2026; TDLR post Jun 23, 2026); comments closed Jul 20, 2026; readopt/revise/repeal decision not found (TDLR notice page re-read Oct 24, 2026)
BoilersHealth & Safety Code Ch. 755 (Boiler Safety Law) and 16 TAC Ch. 65 (TDLR laws page); certificate inspections every 12, 24 or 36 months by boiler type (TDLR FAQ)TDLR FAQ (read): insured boilers are inspected by the Authorized Inspection Agency's inspector, uninsured ones by TDLR deputy inspectors. Late fees apply when inspection occurs after the certificate expires (amount not stated). Installation report due within 30 days; temporary operating permit valid 30 days. Interval-by-type mapping not on the page. SourceChecked on the sourceTDLR Boiler Safety program (deputy boiler inspectors) and registered Authorized Inspection AgenciesRule review opened Jun 19, 2026In force; no rulemaking actions listed on TDLR boiler laws page
Pools25 TAC Ch. 265, Subchapter L (Public Swimming Pools and Spas), effective Apr 26, 2024; Subchapter M covers interactive water featuresDSHS page (read) lists 25 TAC Ch. 265 Subchapter L (effective Apr 26, 2024) and Subchapter M (no effective date shown), with Health & Safety Code 341.064, 341.0645, 341.0695 and Chapter 757 (pool yard enclosures). The page does not state an ISPSC edition or who permits locally. SourceChecked on the sourceTexas DSHS Environmental Health (statewide rules); local permitting authority to be confirmed with the AHJIn forceIn force; see DSHS Draft and Proposed Rules page for pending changes
LodgingNo state hotel license; DSHS sanitation standards (Health & Safety Code Ch. 341); hotel occupancy tax registration (Tax Code Ch. 156); human-trafficking training/signage (Bus. & Com. Code Ch. 114)Statute and AG pages not readable on the official portal. CONFLICT: Bus. & Com. Code 114.0001 reads 'more than 10 rooms' (earlier read); AG search listing says 10 or more. Training annually (new staff within 90 days per AG listing); signs 11x17 per AG listing; civil penalty up to $500 per day. SourceReported, in verificationLocal health departments/code enforcement; DSHS Public Health Sanitation Program (complaints where no local authority); Texas Attorney General (Ch. 114); Comptroller (occupancy tax)In forceIn force (Ch. 114 effective Jan 1, 2022; amended effective Jan 1, 2025); no pending statewide hotel safety mandate found
WorkplaceFederal OSHA jurisdiction (no Texas State Plan)OSHA State Plan page (read): Texas is not an OSHA-approved State Plan; there are 29 State Plans (22 private and public sector, 7 public sector only). Federal OSHA covers most private-sector workers in Texas. SourceChecked on the sourceU.S. Department of Labor - OSHA (federal enforcement)In force
EnvironmentalFederal EPA baseline plus Texas layer: TCEQ UST and AST registration (30 TAC Ch. 334); air PBR 30 TAC 106.511 for portable, emergency and standby engines and generator sets; DSHS asbestos notification; TCEQ sewer-overflow reporting; TCEQ backflow rule 30 TAC 290.44(h)TCEQ: register each UST and any AST over 1,100 gal; changes within 30 days. PBR 106.511: no registration or fee; boilers not addressed. DSHS: asbestos notice 10 working days before demolition or renovation, even with no asbestos. Overflows: 24-hour notice, 5-working-day written report. Backflow: annual tests by licensed tester. Statewide grease and lift-station rules not found. SourceChecked on the sourceTCEQ (tanks, air, overflows, backflow); Texas DSHS (asbestos); local utilities and cities (grease, lift stations, backflow programs); U.S. EPAIn forceNeT-Sewer: TCEQ page (modified May 6, 2026) says an e-reporting extension was received, date not stated; continue Form TCEQ-00501 until further notice. Tier II filing Mar 1, 2027

Dated items in Texas

Next 24 months
Jan 1, 2027
Automatic leak detection on existing 1,500 lb+ HFC commercial refrigerationFederal EPA · 40 CFR 84.108
Confirmed date
Jan 12, 2027
90th Texas Legislature regular session convenes (runs to May 31, 2027); DSHS Sunset bill and any building/fire/lodging legislation taken upTexas Legislature
Confirmed date
Mar 1, 2027
EPCRA Tier II chemical inventory filingFederal EPA · 40 CFR 370.45
Confirmed date
May 31, 2027
90th regular session adjourns sine die; watch for enacted building/fire/lodging statutes (many bills carry a Sep 1, 2027 effective date)Texas Legislature
Confirmed date

Recent changes to the Texas record

Since October 20, 2026 · all states

What our record said before and after each change, with the date and the official source. A change to the record is not by itself a change in the law: an edition, a date or a source may have been corrected or made more precise. Confirm the current text with the authority.

2026-10-20
Building · Next
Before: In force; no statewide edition change scheduled (any update requires legislation or local adoption)
After: Watch: 2025 bills proposed moving 214.216 to the IBC as of May 1, 2018 (H.B. 871, 89R committee substitute, work from Jan 1, 2026; H.B. 306, 89th 2nd called session, introduced, work from Jan 1, 2027); enactment not confirmed on official pages
source · as recorded in our state record on 2026-10-20

Questions about Texas

Which fire code is in force in Texas?

State Fire Marshal's Office inspection standards: NFPA 101 (2021) and NFPA 1 (2021), effective Sep 1, 2023 (TDI page; rule cited as 28 TAC 34.301 ff.). TDI page (last updated 3/25/2025): the 2021 NFPA 101 is the SFMO adopted inspection standard and NFPA 1 (2021) is used for SFMO staff inspections; where other codes cover design elements the Life Safety Code prevails, and deviations need State Fire Marshal approval. The page lists no specific proposed rules. Enforced by: Municipal fire marshals under local ordinances; Texas State Fire Marshal's Office (TDI) for state buildings and areas without local fire ordinances.

Which building code applies in Texas?

IBC 2012 statutory municipal floor (Local Gov't Code §214.216); cities adopt newer editions locally; 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TDLR). Statute page not readable on the official portal; enrolled H.B. 738 (87R) sets Local Gov't Code 214.216: the IBC as it existed May 1, 2012 is the municipal commercial code, with local amendments and later ICC editions allowed. TDLR enforces accessibility (2012 TAS). Local building officials handle permits; the city confirms the edition in force. Enforced by: Municipal building officials (no statewide enforcement agency); TDLR for accessibility (16 TAC Ch. 68) and modular buildings.

Who inspects elevators and boilers in Texas?

Elevators: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Elevator and Escalator Safety program; inspections by TDLR-registered inspectors (Health & Safety Code Ch. 754 and 16 TAC Ch. 74 (TDLR). CONFLICT on code edition: TDLR FAQ (read) lists ASME A17.1-2007 for contracts after 9-1-2008; TDLR plan-review page (earlier read) lists A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16 and A18.1-2005). Boilers: TDLR Boiler Safety program (deputy boiler inspectors) and registered Authorized Inspection Agencies (Health & Safety Code Ch. 755 (Boiler Safety Law) and 16 TAC Ch. 65 (TDLR laws page); certificate inspections every 12, 24 or 36 months by boiler type (TDLR FAQ)).

Is Texas a federal OSHA state or a state-plan state?

Texas is a federal-OSHA state: the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA enforces workplace safety rules directly.

What changes next in Texas?

Building: Rulemaking pending (Watch: 2025 bills proposed moving 214.216 to the IBC as of May 1, 2018 (H.B. 871, 89R committee substitute, work from Jan 1, 2026; H.B. 306, 89th 2nd called ses); Jan 1, 2027: Automatic leak detection on existing 1,500 lb+ HFC commercial refrigeration; Jan 12, 2027: 90th Texas Legislature regular session convenes (runs to May 31, 2027); DSHS Sunset bill and any building/fire/lodging legislation taken up.

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