HB614 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg Wren

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Counties, cities, required to select minimum building code for their jurisdictions, certain excemptions

Summary

HB614 would require counties and municipalities to adopt a minimum building code from published options, with farm-structure exemptions and a limited opt-out window.

What This Bill Does

Local governments must adopt as their minimum construction code either the last two editions of the IBC or IRC with Alabama amendments (and related appendices), or other codes determined by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, with the option to adopt not less stringent codes; if the IRC option is chosen, certain sprinkler requirements for 1- to 2-family dwellings are not required. Localities may also adopt other codes that are not less stringent. Within 120 days after the act becomes effective, counties or municipalities may opt out of the minimum building code requirements by resolution or ordinance. Farm structures are exempt from enforcement of the farm-structure portion of the codes, but an affidavit must be filed before construction; the law also includes floodplain management provisions, and it creates exemptions for private unattached outdoor recreational structures and for manufactured housing, which remains governed by federal standards.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: County and municipal governing bodies (cities and counties) would be required to adopt a minimum building code from the specified options and could choose to opt out within 120 days of the act's effective date.
• Group 2: Property owners and builders in those jurisdictions would be affected by the farm-structure exemptions (requiring an affidavit before construction), the general enforcement of the adopted code, and exemptions for certain outdoor recreational structures and manufactured housing.

Key Provisions

• Adoption of a minimum construction code by local governments: either the last two editions of the IBC or IRC with AECRCB amendments (and applicable appendices), or other codes adopted and amended by AECRCB; IRC option excludes certain sprinkler requirements for 1- to 2-family dwellings.
• Localities may adopt codes not less stringent than those chosen and may opt out of the minimum code requirements within 120 days after the act becomes effective.
• Farm structure exemptions: farm structures are not subject to enforcement of the farm-structure portions of the code; an owner must file an affidavit before constructing or improving; the definition of farm structure and related provisions are specified, and permit issuance can occur before the affidavit is filed in some cases.
• Other exemptions and limits: floodplain management rules remain in effect for NFIP eligibility; private unattached outdoor recreational structures (like hunting or fishing camps) may be exempt if the owner files a qualifying affidavit; manufactured housing remains governed by federal standards and is not affected by this act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Counties