Code references for Alabama

Compare publications and accessories linked by code family and edition to records for Alabama. A match does not establish the requirement for your project. Read each record’s status, scope, dates and amendments, then confirm with the applicable authority.

Read the state coverage carefully

Alabama has no single general statewide building code — private commercial and most residential construction is governed by whichever code (if any) the local municipality or county chooses to adopt. The state does mandate statewide, no-local-option programs in three narrower areas: (1) DCM enforces ICC codes for a defined set of building types (state property, K-12/public postsecondary schools, hotels/motels with 15+ rooms, movie theaters); (2) the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board (ADECA) mandates a uniform residential energy/structural minimum for one- and two-family dwellings statewide; (3) the State Fire Marshal enforces the IFC statewide for occupancies within its statutory jurisdiction. A 2024 law (Title 34-14A) is in process of replacing the residential code via a new Home Builders Licensure Board process, phased in through January 2027.

Authority: Alabama Dept. of Finance, Division of Construction Management (DCM); Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board (ADECA); Alabama State Fire Marshal (Dept. of Insurance)

View the state's official source

International Residential Code 2015

Recorded status: Confirmed statewide code

Jurisdiction: Alabama. Applicability depends on the program, building type and local authority described below.

Program scope and amendment notes: Adopts 2015 IRC with Chapter 11 (energy) deleted and replaced by the separate residential energy code rule; administered by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board (ADECA); applies to one- and two-family dwellings statewide.

Record last verified: 2026-09-03

Effective date: 2016-10-01

Recorded source: https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/305-2-4-.09

International Energy Conservation Code 2015

Recorded status: Confirmed statewide code

Jurisdiction: Alabama. Applicability depends on the program, building type and local authority described below.

Program scope and amendment notes: Adopts 2015 IECC Chapter 4 (residential energy provisions) with Alabama-specific modifications; commercial energy uses ASHRAE 90.1-2013 instead, which is outside the ICC/NFPA whitelist.

Record last verified: 2026-09-03

Effective date: 2016-10-01

Recorded source: https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/305-2-4-.10

International Building Code 2021

Recorded status: Local or program-specific evidence only

Jurisdiction: Alabama. Applicability depends on the program, building type and local authority described below.

Program scope and amendment notes: Enforced by DCM only for state-owned buildings, K-12 and public postsecondary schools, hotels/motels with 15+ rooms, and movie theaters — not a general statewide commercial code. Amended 2025-03-17 to incorporate select 2024 IBC provisions.

Record last verified: 2026-09-03

Effective date: Unknown

Recorded source: https://dcm.alabama.gov/bldg_code.aspx

International Existing Building Code 2021

Recorded status: Local or program-specific evidence only

Jurisdiction: Alabama. Applicability depends on the program, building type and local authority described below.

Program scope and amendment notes: Same DCM program-specific scope as IBC (state buildings/schools/hotels 15+ rooms/theaters only), not general statewide.

Record last verified: 2026-09-03

Effective date: 2022-07-01

Recorded source: https://dcm.alabama.gov/bldg_code.aspx