2015 Alabama Residential Building Code
Based on the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) with Alabama-specific amendments
Effective 10/1/2016

2015 Alabama Residential Energy Code
Based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Alabama-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.

albama building codes

Climate Zones: 2A, 3A

Code Adoption and Change Process

Code Change Process

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.

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

Back to top

History

Alabama Energy and Residential Codes (AERC) Summary | Full code

May 2006	Executive Order 33 Issued	Governor of Alabama mandates state departments and agencies to encourage and promote energy conservation in state-owned buildings.
January 1, 2005	Adoption of ABECC	The Alabama Building Commission adopts the 2004 Alabama Building Energy Conservation Code (ABECC) for state-funded buildings, effective until June 1, 2009.
January 1, 2008	ADECA Roadmap Publication	ADECA publishes a roadmap for cities, towns, and counties in Alabama to adopt the 2006 IECC.
December 2008	Adoption of the 2006 IECC	Alabama adopts the 2006 IECC as the standard in new public buildings. Agencies are required to purchase Energy Star equipment when cost-effective. The 2006 IECC is encouraged for private commercial construction.
March 9, 2010	SB 315 Signed into Law	Governor Bob Riley signs SB 315, creating the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board with authority over the state’s mandatory residential and commercial energy codes and residential building codes for jurisdictions without prior codes.
April 12, 2011	Residential Energy Code Proposal Approved	Alabama Residential and Energy Codes Board approves a new residential energy code based on the 2009 IRC with amendments to make it equivalent to the 2009 IECC. The new commercial code based on the 2009 IECC had been approved on January 25th.
November 15, 2011	Executive Order Number 25 Issued	Governor Robert Bentley issues an order to extend energy standards for state agency buildings, targeting a 30% reduction in energy consumption by Fiscal Year 2015 relative to Fiscal Year 2005 levels.
October 1, 2012	AERC Becomes Effective	The first edition of the Alabama Residential and Energy Code (AERC) becomes effective statewide, allowing local jurisdictions to adopt more stringent energy codes.
April 17, 2014	AERC Board Meeting	The board meets to discuss the 2012 IRC and IECC. They decide not to adopt the 2012 IECC due to the recent implementation of the first statewide code. They support considering the 2015 IECC after its release.
January 1, 2014	Duct Leakage Testing Requirement	Duct leakage testing becomes mandatory as per the energy code adopted in October 2012.
July 1, 2013	R-8 Duct Insulation Requirement	R-8 duct insulation requirements come into effect, although initially set to start in 2013, they were part of the broader energy code considerations from previous years.
2021	Adoption of 2021 International Codes	Alabama adopts the 2021 editions of the International Codes (including IBC, IRC, IECC, etc.), enhancing building safety and energy efficiency standards across the state.

Back to top

Contacts

Heather Goggin
Energy Codes Program Manager
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)
Email: heather.goggin@adeca.alabama.gov

Sareena Nagpal
Energy Codes Manager
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)
Email: snagpal@seealliance.org

News and Events

Energy Code Adoptions in 2015 February 1, 2016
DOE’s Three Year Residential Energy Code Field Study May 12, 2015
Energy Codes Boost Development January 28, 2015
Alliance Announces SEEA’s ‘Graduation’ Into Standalone Entity May 20, 2013
Alabama Energy Code Ambassadors Program To Expand In 2012 November 30, 2011

All of your links must be assigned at least to one category to be displayed

BCAP Projects

Compliance Planning Assistance
Energy Code Ambassadors Program

BCAP Resources

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Checklist for Home Inspectors

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Checklist for Home Inspectors in Climate Zone 2

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Checklist for Homebuyers

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Checklist for Homebuyers in Climate Zone 2

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Checklist for Homeowners

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Checklist for Homeowners in Climate Zone 2

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Guide for Homeowners

Alabama 2009 IRC Energy Code Guide for the Construction Industry

Alabama 2009 IRC Guide for Home Inspectors

Alabama 2009 IRC Guide for Homebuyers

Alabama 2009 IRC Tri-fold Pamphlet

Alabama Gap Analysis Report

Alabama Implementation Action Kit

True Cost of the 2009 IECC for New Homes in Alabama

Helpful Links

All of your links must be assigned at least to one category to be displayed

Cosimina

Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.

Current Commercial Code of Alabama

Alabama Existing Building Code 2021

Alabama Existing Building Code 2015

Alabama Fire Code 2021

Alabama Fire Code 2015

Alabama Fire Code 2009

Alabama Plumbing Code 2021

Alabama Plumbing Code 2015

Alabama Plumbing Code 2009

Alabama Mechanical Code 2021

Alabama Mechanical Code 2015

Alabama Mechanical Code 2009

Alabama Fuel Gas Code 2021

Alabama Fuel Gas Code 2015

Alabama Fuel Gas Code 2009

Alabama Energy Code

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

Alabama Storm Shelter Code 2020

Alabama Storm Shelter Code 2014

Alabama Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions 2020

Alabama 2010 ADA Standards

Alabama Electrical Code 2020

Alabama Electrical Code 2014

Alabama Fire Sprinkler Code 2019

Alabama Fire Sprinkler Code 2013

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

Alabama Low-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2019

Alabama Private Fire Service Main Installation Code 2019

Alabama Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code 2020

Alabama LP Gas Code 2020

Alabama Fire Alarm Code 2019

Alabama Fire Alarm Code 2013

Alabama Emergency and Standby Power Code 2019

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

Alabama Fire Wall Code 2021

Alabama Fire Wall Code 2015

Alabama Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2020

Alabama Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2015

Alabama Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Code 2018

Alabama Refrigeration System Safety Code 2019

Alabama Refrigeration System Safety Code 2013

Alabama Refrigerant Classification Code 2019

Alabama Commercial Energy Code

Alabama Health Care Facility Ventilation Code 2017

Alabama Commercial HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Code 2018

Alabama Commercial HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Code 2012

Alabama Elevator and Escalator Code 2019

Alabama Elevator and Escalator Code 2013

Alabama Existing Elevator and Escalator Code 2020

Alabama Existing Elevator and Escalator Code 2017

Alabama Wind Turbine Tower Elevator Code 2016

Alabama Platform Lift and Stairway Chairlift Code 2020

Alabama Belt Manlift Code 2015

Alabama Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Cast Copper Alloy 2018

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

Alabama Conveyor and Related Equipment Code 2018

Alabama Process Piping Code 2020

Alabama Building Services Piping Code 2020

Alabama Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities Design Code 2014

Alabama Concrete Construction Tolerance Code 2010

Alabama Structural Concrete Code 2019

Alabama Structural Concrete Code 2014

Alabama Concrete Thin Shells Code 2019

Alabama Concrete Thin Shells Code 2014

Alabama Residential Structural Concrete Code 2014

Alabama Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Code 2019

Alabama Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Code 2011

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

Alabama Unbonded Single-Strand Tendon Materials Code 2014

Alabama Load Testing of Existing Concrete Structures Code 2013

Alabama Precast Concrete Diaphragm Connections for Earthquake Loading Code 2018

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

Alabama Precast Concrete Tolerances Code, 2009

Alabama Seismic Steel Construction Code 2016

Alabama Seismic Steel Construction Code 2010

Alabama Prequalified Moment Frame Connection Code 2016

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

Alabama Steel Construction Code 2016

Alabama Steel Construction Code 2010

Alabama Cold-Formed Steel Structural Member Code 2012