Texas · Building code

The building code in force in Texas now.

IBC 2012 statutory municipal floor (Local Gov't Code §214.216); cities adopt newer editions locally; 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TDLR). Enforced by Municipal building officials (no statewide enforcement agency); TDLR for accessibility (16 TAC Ch. 68) and modular buildings. Reported, in verification; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Building code in Texas

Reported, in verification

In force

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.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Municipal building officials (no statewide enforcement agency); TDLR for accessibility (16 TAC Ch. 68) and modular buildings

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

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 session, introduced, work from Jan 1, 2027); enactment not confirmed on official pages

Dated items

Next 24 months

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

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

What a building has to do

1 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Monthly

Accessible pool entry: a pool lift or sloped entry in place and working whenever the pool is open (pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall need two accessible entries; a spa needs one: lift, transfer wall or transfer system); the rule sets no inspection interval; a monthly check that it works and is charged is common practice2010 ADA Standards §242 and §1009; 28 CFR 36.211 · U.S. Department of Justice (enforced through complaints and lawsuits) · Checked against the source 2026-09-28.

Questions about the building code in Texas

Which building code applies in Texas today?

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.

Who enforces the building code in Texas?

Municipal building officials (no statewide enforcement agency); TDLR for accessibility (16 TAC Ch. 68) and modular buildings.

What changes next for the building code in Texas?

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 session, introduced, work from Jan 1, 2027); enactment not confirmed on official pages