Utah Enhances Building Safety Statewide with Adoption of 2021 International Codes

Utah has adopted the 2021 International Codes, taking a significant step toward ensuring the safety, efficiency and resiliency of its communities

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council commends the state of Utah for adopting the 2021 International Codes® (I-Codes). This adoption of the latest I-Codes, effective as of July 1, 2023, will ensure the safety of Utah residents and workers and standardize building regulations and practices statewide.

The adoption of the 2021 I-Codes is made possible through the passage of House Bill 532. This legislation, with certain statewide amendments, requires the adoption of the Code Council’s 2021 edition of various codes, including the International Building Code® (IBC) with Appendices C and J. Additionally, the bill covers specific provisions of the International Residential Code® (IRC) along with Appendices AE and AQ, International Plumbing Code® (IPC), International Mechanical Code®, International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC), commercial provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code®, International Existing Building Code® (IEBC) and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code®.

To strengthen fire safety measures, Utah has enacted House Bill 409. This legislation repeals Tall Wood Buildings of Mass Timber Construction Incorporated as part of the state Construction Code. In its place, House Bill 409 adopts the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code® with relevant amendments.

“We applaud the state of Utah for prioritizing the safety and sustainability of its communities by adopting the most up-to-date I-Codes,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “Utah joins the ranks of the expanding group of states taking the lead in leveraging building safety as a tool to protect its citizens and buildings for years to come. The Code Council hopes other states will follow suit to ensure the safety and resiliency of their communities.”

Other states demonstrating a commitment to the latest standards in building safety by adopting updated building codes include Colorado, which recently adopted the 2021 IPC, IFGC and the plumbing provisions of the IRC; and Illinois, which recently passed SB2368, requiring that all jurisdictions in the state adopt the 2021 IBC, IRC, and IEBC.

Please click here to learn more information about the 2021 I-Codes.

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About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.