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Alabama

8 adopted codes · 54 cities tracked

Complete Guide2021 ICC Codes with Alabama Amendments (IBC/IMC/IFC updated with 2024 amendments effective March 17, 2025)Edition 2021Effective: 2025-03-17

State Building Authority

Alabama Department of Finance, Division of Construction Management (DCM)

Adopted Codes & Standards

IBC

Statewide - Commercial & Multi-Family

2021 with 2024 Amendments

IRC

Statewide - One/Two-Family Dwellings

2021

IFC

Statewide - Fire Prevention

2021 with 2024 Amendments

IPC

Statewide - Plumbing

2021

IMC

Statewide - Mechanical

2021 with 2024 Amendments

IFGC

Statewide - Fuel Gas

2021

IEBC

Statewide - Existing Buildings

2021

NEC (NFPA 70)

Statewide - Electrical

2020

ASHRAE 90.1

Statewide - Commercial Energy

2013

ICC/NSSA-500

Statewide - Storm Shelters

2020

NFPA 72

Statewide - Fire Alarm

2019

Mandatory Codes (8)

IBC2021

International Building Code

ICC·Building

IBC 2021 with 2024 amendments effective March 2025

IEBC2021

International Existing Building Code

ICC·Existing Buildings

IEBC 2021 adopted statewide

IFC2021

International Fire Code

ICC·Fire Safety

IFC 2021 with 2024 amendments effective March 2025

IFGC2021

International Fuel Gas Code

ICC·Fuel Gas

IFGC 2021 adopted statewide

IMC2021

International Mechanical Code

ICC·Mechanical

IMC 2021 with 2024 amendments effective March 2025

IPC2021

International Plumbing Code

ICC·Plumbing

IPC 2021 adopted statewide

IRC2021

International Residential Code

ICC·Residential

IRC 2021 adopted statewide

NFPA 702020

National Electrical Code

NFPA·Electrical

NEC 2020 adopted statewide

Important Notes

Alabama adopted 2021 ICC codes (IBC/IMC/IFC updated with 2024 amendments effective March 2025). The state does NOT adopt the IECC for residential — energy code compliance for residential is through ASHRAE 90.1-2013 for commercial only. Alabama is in "Dixie Alley" — the tornado corridor running through central Alabama. The April 27, 2011 Super Outbreak killed 253 people in Alabama, leading to enhanced storm shelter requirements (ICC/NSSA-500). Baldwin and Mobile counties on the Gulf Coast have enhanced hurricane requirements (Wind Zone II, 130 mph). The New Madrid Seismic Zone affects northern Alabama. Alabama Building Commission (ABC) oversees state-owned buildings; local jurisdictions handle private construction.