Updated Building Codes Adopted, Effective January 1

Published on June 16, 2025

On June 3, 2025, Mayor and Council approved updates to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Code Council (ICC) model building codes. The new codes will take effect on January 1, 2026, following a joint recommendation from City Manager Timothy Thomure and Pima County administrators.

The revised implementation date replaces the previously announced July 1, 2025, timeline, allowing time for public outreach, training, and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions. All permit applications submitted after the implementation date must comply with the new codes.

Tucson and Pima County update building codes every six years by adopting every other code cycle. As a result, the 2024 editions will be adopted and the 2021 versions will be skipped.

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will be considered separately later this year. The IECC’s publication was delayed, and design software tools have not yet been made publicly available. These tools assist designers and plan reviewers in verifying compliance with updated energy conservation standards.

The Tucson-Pima County Joint Consolidated Code Committee is currently reviewing the software, evaluating amendments to address community cost concerns, and considering whether to allow three and four-family dwellings under the International Residential Code (IRC) instead of the International Building Code.