Building Codes

Building Codes As Adopted by the City of Tucson

The City of Tucson adopts model building codes published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) on a six-year cycle. The 2023/2024 editions of these publications became effective January 1, 2026, with the energy code following on July 1, 2026. Local amendments to these model codes are listed below. Adopting Local Amendments to the Building Code is authorized by Ordinance #12171.
 

All permit applications and related submittals received on or after July 1, 2026, must comply with the 2024 International Codes and amendments as adopted by the City of Tucson and in effect as of that date, including the 2023 National Electrical Code where applicable.

Applications and related submittals received before July 1, 2026, will continue to be reviewed under the code editions in effect at the time of submittal, unless approved by the Building Official.


Model Codes

Model codes are created through international consensus by the ICC and the NFPA. After the codes are published, the City of Tucson and Pima County review them at the local level and establish local amendments prior to adoption. When referencing an applicable code section, both the model code and the amendments must be considered. The model codes can be found at the public library and through the ICC or the NFPA. The amendments to these codes are available at the links below.

Other Adopted Building Regulations

In addition to the codes listed above, several other building regulations apply that are updated less frequently.

Previously Adopted Building Code Amendments


Sustainability Codes

The City of Tucson is dedicated to environmental stewardship and has implemented the following building regulations in addition to the model codes listed above.


Policies


Supplemental Information


Modifications & Appeals

If you wish to file an administrative appeal to the codes, please visit Code Modification for information.