ICC finalizes 2027 building codes
The International Code Council (ICC) released the final results of the Public Comment Hearings and Online Governmental Consensus Vote, marking the final stage of the 2024 to 2026 code development cycle leading to the 2027 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) and the other 2027 I-Codes.
Key takeaways from the final vote include the approval of IBC and IRC proposals referencing the ICC 1200, 1205 and 1210 standards for off-site construction, providing uniform construction and inspection requirements for modular homes and buildings, as well as approval of IBC and IRC proposal provisions to allow the re-use of salvaged lumber for structural purposes if evaluated by a certified lumber grader. The ICC disapproved the IWUIC proposal from California for the highest-risk wildfire hazard areas that was approved during the 2024 committee hearings but disapproved at the recent public comment hearings. The council also disapproved of an IWUIC proposal to require submission of fire protection plans prepared by a registered design professional or an approved landscape architect or fire safety specialist.
The 2027 I-Codes will be published in stages over the rest of 2026 and early 2027, with the IBC, IFC and IWUIC anticipated in September 2026 and the IRC in February 2027.
