Arkansas building codes play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and integrity of construction projects within the state. These regulations encompass a wide range of factors, including structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and more. Staying informed and compliant with Arkansas building codes is essential for builders and property owners to guarantee the well-being of their structures and occupants.
Current Commercial Code of Arkansas
Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction with 2014 Arkansas Supplements and Amendments
Based on the 2009 IECC; Chapter 5 of the 2009 IECC allows for an alternative compliance pathway for commercial structures through ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007.
Arkansas Residential Code 2012
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Arkansas Fire Code 2021
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Arkansas Fire Code 2012
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Arkansas Plumbing Code, 2018
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Arkansas Mechanical Code 2021
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Arkansas Mechanical Code 2010
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Arkansas Fuel Gas Code, 2018
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Arkansas Energy Code 2009
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Arkansas Building Performance Code 2021
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Arkansas Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands 2017
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Arkansas Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures 2017
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Arkansas Storm Shelter Code 2020
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Arkansas Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions 2020
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Arkansas Accessibility Code 2017
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Arkansas 2010 ADA Standards
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Arkansas Electrical Code 2020
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Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Code 2019
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Arkansas One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2019
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Arkansas Low-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2019
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Arkansas Private Fire Service Main Installation Code 2019
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Arkansas LP Gas Code 2020
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Arkansas Fire Alarm Code 2019
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Arkansas Fire Wall Code 2021
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Arkansas Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2020
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Arkansas Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Code 2018
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Arkansas Refrigeration System Safety Code 2019
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Arkansas Refrigerant Classification Code 2019
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Arkansas Health Care Facility Ventilation Code 2017
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Arkansas Commercial HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Code 2018
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Arkansas Platform Lift and Stairway Chairlift Code 2020
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Arkansas Belt Manlift Code 2015
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Arkansas Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Cast Copper Alloy 2018
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Arkansas Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy 2018
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Arkansas Conveyor and Related Equipment Code 2018
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Arkansas Process Piping Code 2020
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Arkansas Building Services Piping Code 2020
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Arkansas Concrete Construction Tolerance Code 2010
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Arkansas Structural Concrete Code 2019
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Arkansas Concrete Thin Shells Code 2019
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Arkansas Residential Structural Concrete Code 2020
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Arkansas Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Code 2019
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Arkansas Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Code 2011
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Arkansas Moment Frames Acceptance Criteria Structural Testing Code 2005 (R2019)
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Arkansas Unbonded Single-Strand Tendon Materials Code 2014
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Arkansas Load Testing of Existing Concrete Structures Code 2013
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Arkansas Precast Concrete Diaphragm Connections for Earthquake Loading Code 2018
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Arkansas Special Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast Structural Walls Code, 2007
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Arkansas Precast Concrete Tolerances Code, 2009
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Arkansas Seismic Steel Construction Code 2016
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Arkansas Prequalified Moment Frame Connection Code 2016
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Arkansas Prequalified Moment Frame Connection Code 2016 w/ Supplement 1-2018
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Arkansas Steel Construction Code 2016
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Arkansas Steel Construction Code 2010
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Arkansas Wood Construction Wind and Seismic Code 2021
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Arkansas Joists and Rafters Span Tables Code 2021
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Arkansas Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding Code, 2011
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Arkansas Masonry Specification Code 2016
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Arkansas Residential Load Calculation Code (Manual J), 2016
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Arkansas Residential Equipment Selection Code (Manual S) 2014
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Arkansas Peak Cooling and Heating Calculation Code (Commercial / Mid & High-rise Residential) 2007 (R2014)
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Arkansas ABA Standards 2015
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Arkansas Typical Timber Construction Details Code 2003
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Arkansas Structural Glued Laminated Timber Appearance Grades Code 2001
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Arkansas Structural Glued Laminated Timber Dimensions Code 2010
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Arkansas Structural Glued Laminated Timber of Hardwood Species Specifications Code 1996
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Arkansas Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors Code 2019
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Arkansas Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors Code 2007
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Arkansas Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Code 2014
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Arkansas Metal and Flexible Duct Code 2020
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Arkansas Phenolic Duct Construction Code 2015
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Arkansas Carbon Structural Steel Code, 2014
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Arkansas Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles Code, 2010 (R2018)
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Arkansas Deformed and Plain Carbon-steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement Code 2015ae1
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Arkansas Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated Galvanized or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated Galvannealed by the Hot-Dip Process Code, 2017
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Arkansas High-strength Low-alloy Piling with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance for Use in Marine Environments Code, 2013 (2018)
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Arkansas Low-Alloy Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement Code 2016
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Arkansas High-strength Steel Bars for Prestressed Concrete Code 2018
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Arkansas Steel Sheet, Zinc-5 Percent, Aluminum Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process Code 2013
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Arkansas Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-dip Process Code 2017A
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Arkansas Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Steel and Plate Code 2014
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Arkansas Fair Housing Act Design Manual
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Arkansas OSHA 1926 Construction
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Arkansas OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards
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Arkansas OSHA 1904 Recordkeeping
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Arkansas Shallow Post-Tensioned Concrete Foundations on Expansive and Stable Soils Code, 2019
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Arkansas Rectangular Industrial Duct Construction Code, 2011
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Arkansas Round Industrial Duct Construction Standards, 2013
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Arkansas Building Code 2021
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Arkansas Building Code 2012
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Arkansas Residential Code 2021
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Current Residential Code of Arkansas
The current Residential Code of Arkansas adheres to the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), which includes comprehensive building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. This code is part of a set that also includes volumes on building and fire codes, ensuring a holistic approach to safety and regulatory compliance across different types of constructions.
For more detailed information on the specific provisions of the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III – Residential, or to access the full text of these codes, you can visit the Digital Codes website where they are available:
- 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III – Residential
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
Code Adoption and Change Process
The current Residential Code of Arkansas adheres to the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), which encompasses comprehensive regulations for building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and electrical systems. This code applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories high. It is part of a broader set of codes that also includes volumes on building and fire codes, thereby ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety and regulatory compliance across various types of constructions.
For more detailed information on the specific provisions of the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III – Residential, or to access the full text of these codes, they are available online:
- 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III – Residential
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
These resources provide in-depth coverage of th
Code Change Cycle
For the code change cycle in Arkansas, there is no set schedule. Changes to building codes are made as needed, depending on the latest updates to international standards, advancements in building technology, or specific state requirements that arise. This flexible approach allows Arkansas to adapt and respond to new safety and efficiency challenges without being confined to a rigid timeline.
Next Code Update
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History
| 1979 | First Arkansas Energy Code | Enacted based on the 1977 Model Code for Energy Conservation, referencing ASHRAE/IES Standard 90-1975. |
| 1993 | Legislative Authority to AEO | Legislation gave the Arkansas Energy Office authority to adopt new standards. |
| 1994 | New Arkansas Energy Code Adoption | A new code based on the 1992 Model Energy Code for residential buildings and ASHRAE 90.1-1989 for commercial buildings. |
| 2004 | Update to Arkansas Energy Code | Adopted the 2003 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001, becoming effective on October 1, 2004. |
| 2009 | Act No. 1494 Enactment | Encouraged conservation of energy in public buildings and set higher efficiency standards. |
| 2011 | Implementation of Sustainability Rules | Rules for Sustainable Energy Efficient Public Buildings were implemented, requiring public buildings to be at least 10% more efficient than baseline standards. |
| 2013 | Commercial Code Update | Updated commercial provisions to reference ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 and Chapter 5 of the 2009 IECC. |
| 2014 | Adoption of the 2014 Arkansas Energy Code | Set new minimum energy efficiency standards for new construction, based on the 2009 IECC, with significant amendments. |
| 2015 | Implementation of 2014 Arkansas Energy Code | The 2014 code became effective, enhancing energy efficiency requirements for new buildings. |
| 2021 | Update to Arkansas Fire Prevention Code | Volumes I, II, and III updated to align with the 2021 International Codes for comprehensive coverage of safety and compliance. |
| 2023 | Effective Date of 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code | The updated code volumes became enforceable starting January 1, 2023. |
Contacts
Tim Scott
Outreach and Training Manager
Arkansas Energy Office
Email: tscott@arkansasedc.com
Sareena Nagpal
Energy Codes Manager
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)
Email: snagpal@seealliance.org
News and Events
- DOE’s Three Year Residential Energy Code Field Study May 12, 2015
- New Year, New Codes February 24, 2015
- Energy Codes Boost Development January 28, 2015
- Alliance Announces SEEA’s ‘Graduation’ Into Standalone Entity May 20, 2013
BCAP Projects
Compliance Planning Assistance
BCAP Resources
Helpful Links
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.