HB161 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Craig LipscombRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Building codes; standardization of certain non-residential building codes, provided; practice architecture and duties of local building code officials, further provided

Summary

HB161 would standardize Alabama's building codes statewide, move adoption and enforcement to the Division of Construction Management for all non-residential buildings, allow coastal supplements, strengthen architecture rules, and establish an ongoing code-update process.

What This Bill Does

The bill centralizes adoption of a state building code under the Division of Construction Management and makes the code apply to all non-residential buildings, with primary enforcement by counties and municipalities. It requires adopting ICC model codes (IBC, International Existing Building Code, IPC, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code) and allows local bodies to enlarge codes through municipal ordinances for private buildings, including penalties for violations. It authorizes coastal counties/municipalities to add supplemental coastal codes for hurricane and wind protection. It sets a six-year update cycle to align with ICC codes and requires the division to begin formal rulemaking to adopt the 2021 ICC model codes by July 1, 2025. It adds a state energy conservation building code with performance standards, requires training, and mandates public notices. It also strengthens architectural practice rules, requiring commercial projects larger than 2,500 square feet to be designed by a registered architect (with plans stamped by the architect) and prescribes penalties for non-compliance, while exempting certain farms, small residential, and some utility-related projects.

Who It Affects

• Local governments (counties and municipalities) would gain primary enforcement authority for non-residential building codes and could adopt supplemental coastal codes to address hurricane and wind hazards.
• Architects and architectural firms (and related professionals) would be impacted by new requirements that commercial projects over 2,500 square feet be designed by a registered architect and stamped, plus changes to architectural practice definitions and penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Authority to adopt and enforce a statewide building code by the Division of Construction Management, with the code applying to all non-residential buildings and local jurisdictions enforcing for non-residential structures.
• Adoption of ICC model codes (IBC, International Existing Building Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code) and allowing counties/municipalities to adopt additional model codes as local ordinances; penalties for violations.
• Coastal counties/municipalities may adopt supplemental coastal building codes to protect against hurricanes, high winds, erosion, and related hazards.
• By July 1, 2025, the Division must begin formal rulemaking to adopt the 2021 ICC model building codes; codes may be updated over time to reflect changes in ICC standards.
• A six-year review cycle beginning January 1, 2027 (and every six years thereafter) to determine whether to continue current codes or adopt revised ones aligned with ICC model codes.
• State energy conservation building code, including thermal and lighting efficiency standards, applicable to new and renovated buildings and no less stringent than specified ICC/ASHRAE/National standards; director to keep code updated and provide training.
• Commercial construction over 2,500 square feet must be designed by a registered architect and stamped; non-architects cannot stamp plans for such projects; penalties (Class C misdemeanor) for violations; exemptions for certain farms, single-family residences, certain utility works, and small non-assembly buildings.
• Public notices and posting requirements by building code officials and the division to inform about the architect-design requirement for large commercial projects.
• Public copies of the code shall be provided free of charge; the code will become effective after filing and a 60-day posting period; local updates and enforcement provisions may be adopted by counties/municipalities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Buildings, Construction & Infrastructure