Construction Codes

The International Codes (I-Codes) are the most widely accepted, comprehensive set of model codes used in the United States. The City of Knoxville has adopted several of the I-Codes, the National Electrical Code, and the ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Code to help establish the minimum provisions that will adequately protect public health, safety, and welfare in our jurisdiction.

To view the adopting ordinance for the current construction codes, please check the following links:

2024 Construction Codes, 2024 Fire Code, 2023 Electric Code (NFPA70), 2018 Energy Conservation Code

Dig deeper into the construction codes by selecting a code book below:

2024 International Building Code

The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. The IBC addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessibility, energy conservation and life safety in regard to new and existing buildings, facilities and systems. The IBC applies to all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not within the scope of the IRC. 

Free access to the IBC

2024 International Residential Code

The International Residential Code (IRC ) was created to serve as a complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of single-family houses, two-family houses (duplexes) and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units. The IRC is the complete cookbook for residential construction and contains coverage for all components of a house or townhouse, including structural components, fireplaces and chimneys, thermal insulation, mechanical systems, fuel gas systems, plumbing systems and electrical systems. 
It is important to understand that the IRC contains coverage for what is conventional and common in residential construction practice. While the IRC will provide all of the needed coverage for most residential construction, it might not address construction practices and systems that are atypical or rarely encountered in the industry. In other words, the IRC is meant to be all inclusive for typical residential construction and it relies on other codes only where alternatives are desired or where the code lacks coverage for the uncommon aspect of residential construction. Of course, the IRC constantly evolves to address new technologies and construction practices that were once uncommon, but are now common.

 

Free access to the IRC 

 

2024 International Existing Building Code

The International Existing Building Code is a model code intended to provide the requirements for repair, and alternative approaches for alterations and additions, to existing buildings. A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of the building or the original scope of the alteration. At the same time, it is necessary to regulate construction in existing buildings that undergo additions, alterations, extensive repairs or change of occupancy. Such activity represents an opportunity to ensure that new construction complies with the current building codes and that existing conditions are maintained, at a minimum, to their current level of compliance or are improved as required to meet basic safety levels. To accomplish this objective, and to make the alteration process easier, this code allows for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the International Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire prevention, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building.

 

Free access to the IEBC

 

2024 International Fire Code

The International Fire Code (IFC) is a model code that regulates minimum fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings, facilities, storage and processes. The IFC addresses fire prevention, fire protection, life safety and safe storage and use of hazardous materials in new and existing buildings, facilities and processes. The IFC provides a total approach of controlling hazards in all buildings and sites, regardless of the hazard being indoors or outdoors.

Free access to the IFC 

2024 International Plumbing Code

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a model code that regulates the design and installation of plumbing systems including the plumbing fixtures in all types of buildings except for detached one-and two-family dwellings and townhouses. The IPC addresses general plumbing regulations, fixture requirements, water heater installations and systems for water distribution, sanitary drainage, special wastes, venting, storm drainage and medical gases. Through the use of code-approved materials and the installation requirements specified in this code, plumbing systems will perform their intended function over the life of the building. 

 

Free access to the IPC 

2024 International Mechanical Code

The International Mechanical Code (IMC) is a prescriptive code, with some performance text, that regulates the design and installation of mechanical systems, appliances, appliance venting, duct and ventilation systems, combustion air provisions, hydronic systems and solar systems. The IMC relies heavily on product specifications and listings to provide much of the appliance and equipment installation requirements. 
The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety and to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the installation and operation of mechanical systems. The code also protects the personnel that install, maintain, service and replace the systems and appliances addressed by this code.

 

Free access to the IMC 

2024 International Fuel Gas Code

The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) is a model code that regulates the design and installation of fuel gas distribution piping and systems, appliances, appliance venting systems, combustion air provisions, gaseous hydrogen systems and motor vehicle gaseous-fuel-dispensing stations. The definition of fuel gas includes natural, liquefied petroleum and manufactured gases and mixtures of these gases.
The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety and to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the storage, distribution and usage of fuel gases and the byproducts of combustion of such fuels. The code also protects the personnel that install, maintain, service and replace the systems and appliances addressed by this code.

 

Free access to the IFGC 

 

2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) is a model code that regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubes and aquatic facilities. This includes public swimming pools, public spas, public exercise spas, aquatic recreation facilities, onground storable residential pools, permanent inground residential pools, permanent residential spas, permanent residential exercise spas, portable residential spas and portable residential exercise spas.
 

Free access to the ISPSC 

2024 International Green Construction Code

The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is a model code that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the environment, public health, safety and general welfare through establishment of requirements that are intended to reduce the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts of the built environment on the natural environment and building occupants.

The IgCC addresses site sustainability, water and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, building commissioning, construction and plans for operations and maintenance for new and certain types of existing buildings, building sites and building materials, components, equipment and systems.

Compliance with the Green Construction Code is on a voluntary basis only and review for compliance must be requested.

Free access to the IgCC

2023 National Electric Code

The purpose of the National Electrical Code (NFPA70) is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity.  The electrical code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.  Compliance with the requirements of NFPA70, and proper maintenance, will result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion.

Free access to NFPA70

Access to NFPA 70 will require you to register for a NFPA LiNK account.

  1. Go to the NFPA NEC page.
  2. Click "Free Access"
  3. Register for an account.
  4. Confirm your email.
  5. Access the NEC document for free!

 

2018 International Energy Conservation Code

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a model code that regulates minimum energy conservation requirements for new buildings. The IECC addresses energy conservation requirements for all aspects of energy uses in both commercial and residential construction, including heating and ventilating, lighting, water heating, and power usage for appliances and building systems.

Free access to the IECC

2017 ICC ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Code

ICC ANSI A117.1 is a construction standard used to make sites, facilities, buildings and elements accessible to and usable by people with such physical disabilities as the inability to walk, difficulty walking, blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, in coordination, reaching and manipulation disabilities, lack of stamina, difficult reacting to or interpreting sensory information and extremes of physical size.  The intent of the standard is to allow a person with physical disability to independently get to, enter, and use a site, facility, or element.

Free access to ANSI A117.1

Back to top