SB131 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve LivingstonSenator

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

SB131 would standardize Alabama's building codes statewide, require non-residential buildings to follow them, add a stronger role for licensed architects, empower coastal areas to add extra coastal codes, and set up updated enforcement and penalties.

What This Bill Does

The bill moves the authority to adopt building codes to the Division of Construction Management and creates a uniform state-wide code that includes all non-residential buildings. It sets a process to update codes periodically and allows certain coastal counties and municipalities to adopt supplemental coastal codes for hurricane and erosion protection. It also expands architectural requirements, requiring many commercial projects over 2,500 square feet to be designed by a registered architect, with penalties for violations and new responsibilities for local building code officials.

Who It Affects

• Non-residential building owners, developers, and operators who would be subject to the new state-wide non-residential building codes and enforcement by counties and municipalities.
• Architects, architectural firms, and local building code officials, who would face new licensing, stamping, and compliance requirements, including the 2,500-square-foot threshold for requiring an architect on commercial projects and potential criminal penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Standardize building codes across Alabama and assign adoption authority to the Division of Construction Management; codes would apply to all non-residential buildings, with enforcement by county and municipal authorities for those buildings.
• Establish a formal process to update building codes, starting with the 2021 model codes and then the latest International Code Council revisions every three years; codes would be funded and distributed by the Division.
• Authorize coastal counties and municipalities to adopt supplemental coastal building codes to protect against hurricanes, high winds, erosion, and related hazards.
• Expand the scope and duties related to the practice of architecture; define architects and architecture practice, require design work on commercial projects over 2,500 square feet to be performed by a registered architect, and prohibit unregistered individuals from using the architect title or stamping plans; include penalties for violations (Class C misdemeanor).
• Require public notices and stamping by licensed professionals on commercial construction documents; post notices on division and local office websites to inform the public about architect requirements.
• Adopt a state energy conservation building code, including provisions for thermal efficiency and lighting, to apply to new and remodeled buildings using state funds or state instruments; require training and guidance for implementation.

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