List of all Building Codes in Alabama

Alabama Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands 2017

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Alabama Storm Shelter Code 2020

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Alabama Storm Shelter Code 2014

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Alabama Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions 2020

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2010 ADA Standards

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Alabama Electrical Code 2020

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Alabama Electrical Code 2014

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Alabama Fire Sprinkler Code 2019

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Alabama Fire Sprinkler Code 2013

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Alabama One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2019

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Alabama Low-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2019

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Alabama Private Fire Service Main Installation Code 2019

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Alabama Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code 2020

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Alabama LP Gas Code 2020

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Alabama Fire Alarm Code 2019

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Alabama Fire Alarm Code 2013

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Alabama Emergency and Standby Power Code 2019

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Alabama Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-burning Appliances Code 2013

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Alabama Fire Wall Code 2021

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Alabama Fire Wall Code 2015

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Alabama Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2020

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Alabama Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2015

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Alabama Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Code 2018

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Alabama Refrigeration System Safety Code 2019

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Alabama Refrigeration System Safety Code 2013

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Alabama Refrigerant Classification Code 2019

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Alabama Commercial Energy Code

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Alabama Health Care Facility Ventilation Code 2017

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Alabama Commercial HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Code 2018

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Alabama Commercial HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Code 2012

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Alabama Elevator and Escalator Code 2019

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Alabama Elevator and Escalator Code 2013

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Alabama Existing Elevator and Escalator Code 2020

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Alabama Existing Elevator and Escalator Code 2017

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Alabama Wind Turbine Tower Elevator Code 2016

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Alabama Platform Lift and Stairway Chairlift Code 2020

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Alabama Belt Manlift Code 2015

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Alabama Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Cast Copper Alloy 2018

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Alabama Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy 2018

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Alabama Conveyor and Related Equipment Code 2018

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Alabama Process Piping Code 2020

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Alabama Building Services Piping Code 2020

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Alabama Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities Design Code 2014

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Alabama Concrete Construction Tolerance Code 2010

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Alabama Structural Concrete Code 2019

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Alabama Structural Concrete Code 2014

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Alabama Concrete Thin Shells Code 2019

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Alabama Concrete Thin Shells Code 2014

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Alabama Residential Structural Concrete Code 2014

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Alabama Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Code 2019

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Alabama Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Code 2011

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Alabama Moment Frames Acceptance Criteria Structural Testing Code 2005 (R2019)

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Alabama Unbonded Single-Strand Tendon Materials Code 2014

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Alabama Load Testing of Existing Concrete Structures Code 2013

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Alabama Precast Concrete Diaphragm Connections for Earthquake Loading Code 2018

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Alabama Special Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast Structural Walls Code, 2007

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Alabama Precast Concrete Tolerances Code, 2009

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Alabama Seismic Steel Construction Code 2016

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Alabama Seismic Steel Construction Code 2010

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Alabama Prequalified Moment Frame Connection Code 2016

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Alabama Prequalified Moment Frame Connection Code 2016 w/ Supplement 1-2018

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Alabama Steel Construction Code 2016

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Alabama Steel Construction Code 2010

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Alabama Cold-Formed Steel Structural Member Code 2012

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Alabama Wood Construction Wind and Seismic Code 2021

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Alabama Wood Construction Wind and Seismic Code 2015

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Alabama Joists and Rafters Span Tables Code 2021

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Alabama Steel Reinforcing Bars Structural Welding Code, 2018

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Alabama Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding Code, 2011

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Alabama Masonry Code 2016

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Alabama Masonry Specification Code 2016

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Alabama Residential Equipment Selection Code (Manual S) 2014

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Alabama Peak Cooling and Heating Calculation Code (Commercial / Mid & High-rise Residential) 2007 (R2014)

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ABA Standards 2015

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Alabama Typical Timber Construction Details Code 2003

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Alabama Structural Glued Laminated Timber Appearance Grades Code 2001

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Alabama Structural Glued Laminated Timber Dimensions Code 2010

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Alabama Structural Glued Laminated Timber of Hardwood Species Specifications Code 1996

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Alabama Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors Code 2019

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Alabama Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors Code 2013

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Alabama Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Code 2014

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Alabama Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Code 2009

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Alabama Metal and Flexible Duct Code 2020

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Alabama Metal and Flexible Duct Code 2005

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Alabama Phenolic Duct Construction Code 2015

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Alabama Carbon Structural Steel Code, 2014

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Alabama Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles Code, 2010 (R2018)

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Alabama Deformed and Plain Carbon-steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement Code 2015ae1

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Alabama Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated Galvanized or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated Galvannealed by the Hot-Dip Process Code, 2017

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Alabama High-strength Low-alloy Piling with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance for Use in Marine Environments Code, 2013 (2018)

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Alabama Low-Alloy Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement Code 2016

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Alabama High-strength Steel Bars for Prestressed Concrete Code 2018

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Alabama Steel Sheet, Zinc-5 Percent, Aluminum Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process Code 2013

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Alabama Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-dip Process Code 2017A

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Alabama Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Steel and Plate Code 2014

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Alabama Fair Housing Act Design Manual

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Alabama OSHA 1926 Construction

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Alabama OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards

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Alabama OSHA 1904 Recordkeeping

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Alabama Shallow Post-Tensioned Concrete Foundations on Expansive and Stable Soils Code, 2019

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Alabama Rectangular Industrial Duct Construction Code, 2011

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Alabama Round Industrial Duct Construction Standards, 2013

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Current Commercial Code

2015 Alabama Commercial Energy Code
Based on ASHRAE 90.1 2013
Effective 1/1/2016

Current Residential Code

2015 Alabama Residential Energy Code
Based on the 2015 IECC with state-specific amendments
Effective 10/1/2016

R406.4 (N1106.4) ERI-based compliance.
Compliance based on an ERI analysis requires that the rated design be shown to have an ERI less than or equal to a score of 70 in both zones 2 and 3 when compared to the ERI reference design.

REScheck is applicable by county or jurisdiction.

Climate Zones: 2A, 3A

Code Adoption and Change Process

Code Change Process

Alabama’s code change process is regulatory and legislative. In 2010, Senate Bill 315 became law and gave the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes (AERC) Board the authority to adopt mandatory residential and commercial energy codes for the entire state, applicable to new construction and substantial renovations. This act also gave the AERC Board authority to adopt residential building codes for any jurisdictions that had not implemented a code prior to March 2010. Individual cities and jurisdictions are allowed to adopt energy codes that exceed statewide standards. Above code programs are permitted upon approval by the Alabama Residential and Energy Codes Board.

Rules promulgated by the Board are published for 35 days in the state administrative journal before a public comment hearing. The rule then goes before a legislative review committee for 35 days.

Revisions to the state building code for state funded buildings are made by the Alabama Building Commission in accordance with procedures of the Alabama Administrative Procedures Act.

Code Change Cycle

No set schedule. SB 315 did not create an automatic update cycle. The AERC Board is required to meet at least once per calendar year.

Next Code Update

Unknown

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History

Alabama Energy and Residential Codes (AERC) Summary \| Full code
April 17, 2014	The Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board meets at the Alabama Center for Commerce. At this meeting, a motion is put forth to recognize the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as not in conflict with the minimum requirements in the currently adopted code. It passes unanimously. The board concurs that moving to the 2012 IECC at that time would be inadvisable; Alabama is only 18 months into its first statewide code, and so another major change would be counterproductive. Also at this meeting, the board votes to support the Alabama Energy Division’s recommendation to commit to considering the 2015 IECC as soon as possible after its release in June 2014, and to request DOE approval for that path rather than the 2012 IECC. View the notes from this meeting here.
January 1, 2014	From this date onward, duct leakage testing is required per the energy code adopted in October 2012. Duct tightness must be verified either by a post-construction test or a rough-in test, although no verification is required if the air handler and all ducts are located within conditioned space.
July 1, 2013	Although the state’s residential code went into effect the previous December, R-8 duct insulation requirements are not required until this date.
October 1, 2012	The first edition of the Alabama Residential and Energy Code (AERC) becomes effective statewide. Local jurisdictions are allowed to adopt more stringent energy codes.
April 2012	BCAP’s Energy Code Ambassadors Program (ECAP) expands in the state. Funding from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) covers travel expenses for ECAP trainees.
January 12, 2012	The AERC board approves a preliminary measure to create Alabama’s first statewide energy code for new construction and substantial renovation. This vote to give final approval to Alabama’s first mandatory statewide energy code is then postponed due to a lack of a quorum of the Board. Board members plan to meet again in February, republish the code in the journal, and vote for final approval in April. As proposed, the commercial code would be based on the 2009 IECC. The residential code would be based on Chapter 11 of the 2009 IRC with list of amendments as follows: Deleting the section for protection of exposed foundation insulation Adding a section stating that local jurisdiction above code programs must be approved by the AERC Board Making the certificate stating the insulation R-values, U-factors and SHGC for fenestration voluntary instead of mandatory Substituting the insulation and fenestration requirements from the 2009 IECC, which are slightly more stringent Deleting the section for slab-on-grade floor insulation and the requirement for programmable thermostats Not requiring R-8 duct insulation until July 1, 2013 Not requiring duct leakage testing until July 1, 2013
November 15, 2011	To further reduce energy consumption and utility expenditures, Governor Robert Bentley issues Executive Order Number 25, which extends the energy standards for state agency buildings until 2015. Departments and agencies are instructed to “reduce their energy consumption as directed by thirty percent (30%) by Fiscal Year 2015 relative to Fiscal Year 2005 levels”.
April 12, 2011	Both the residential energy subcommittee and the full membership of the Alabama Residential and Energy Codes Board approve a proposal to adopt a new residential energy code based on the 2009 IRC with strengthening amendments that would make it equivalent to the 2009 IECC. The Board had previously approved a new commercial code based on the 2009 IECC on January 25th. The Board’s recommendations will be published for 35 days in the state administrative journal, followed by a final public comment hearing and final vote by the Board.
March 9, 2010	Governor Bob Riley signs SB 315 into law as Act 2010-185, which replaces the Alabama Energy Code Board with the seventeen member Alabama Energy and Residential Codes board, giving the new board sole authority over adoption and implementation of the state’s mandatory residential and commercial energy codes for the entire state and residential building codes for jurisdictions that had not implemented a residential building code prior to March 2010. The state had previously adopted the Residential Energy Code for Alabama (RECA 2004) – based on the 2000 IECC – as a voluntary code for residential construction. The AERC board is administered by the Energy Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
December 2008	Alabama adopts the 2006 IECC as the standard in new public buildings. Additionally, when replacing or purchasing new equipment agencies are now required to purchase Energy Star equipment when this is cost effective. The Alabama Building Commission also enforces ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 for all state building construction. The 2006 IECC is encouraged for private commercial construction. During the regular legislative session of 2008, the state passes House Bill 242. This bill adopts the 2006 IECC (and subsequent editions) as a minimum requirement for the design of all new commercial buildings and the renovation and addition to all commercial buildings in the state.
January 1, 2008	ADECA publishes a roadmap for cities, towns, and counties in Alabama to adopt the 2006 IECC.
May 2006	The governor of Alabama issues Executive Order 33, mandating that state departments and agencies encourage and promote the conservation of energy in state-owned buildings.
January 1, 2005	The Alabama Building Commission adopts the 2004 Alabama Building Energy Conservation Code (ABECC) for state-funded buildings. This code remains in use until June 1, 2009.