Current Commercial Code of Kentucky
Kentucky Building Code
- Base Code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
- Effective Date: The 2018 IBC has been in effect in Kentucky since August 22, 2018.
- Amendments: Kentucky has made specific state-level amendments to the 2018 IBC to address local needs and conditions.
Other Relevant Codes for Commercial Buildings in Kentucky:
- Kentucky Fire Code: Based on the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), with state-specific amendments.
- Kentucky Mechanical Code: Adopts the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
- Kentucky Plumbing Code: Based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Kentucky Electrical Code: Generally follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), 2017 Edition, with specific local amendments.
Energy Compliance:
- Kentucky Energy Code: For commercial buildings, Kentucky enforces the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), along with amendments to enhance energy efficiency in line with local climatic conditions.
Accessibility:
- Kentucky adheres to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, ensuring that all commercial facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Current Residential Code of Kentucky
- Base Code: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
- Effective Date: This code has been in effect since August 22, 2018.
- Amendments: Kentucky has implemented several amendments to the 2018 IRC to cater to local safety needs and environmental conditions.
Other Relevant Residential Building Codes in Kentucky:
- Kentucky Plumbing Code: Utilizes the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), with specific adjustments for local requirements.
- Kentucky Mechanical Code: Adopts the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
- Kentucky Electrical Code: Follows the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), including state-specific amendments.
Energy Compliance:
- Kentucky Energy Code: For residential buildings, the state follows the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), also amended to address Kentucky’s specific climate-related challenges and promote energy efficiency.
Accessibility:
- Kentucky incorporates the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and other requirements to ensure that residential facilities are accessible and navigable for individuals with disabilities.
Climate Zone: 4A
Code Adoption and Change Process
Code Change Process
Changes to building codes by the state of Kentucky are submitted to the Board of Housing for review by the Office of Housing, Buildings, and Construction Division of Building Codes Enforcement. The changes are approved in this forum and are forwarded to the Legislative Research Committee for public comment and further review. During the three-year cycle, proposed changes to the KBC may be submitted for consideration and voted upon by the board. The Division of Building Codes and Enforcement is responsible for complying with code changes and amendments. Once changes and amendments are adopted and entered as part of the state requirements, they become state law by state statute.
The Kentucky Residential Code may be amended from time to time by the Board of Housing, Buildings and Construction through the regulatory process by considering proposals from code enforcement officials, industry and design professionals, and other interested persons and organizations. Changes are discussed in an open meeting of the board. Changes approved by the board and the Legislative Review Commission are printed in the Kentucky Administrative Register and posted on the OHBC website.
Code Change Cycle
Generally a three-year code review/update cycle.
Next Code Update
Unknown
History
| August 22, 2018 | Adoption of the 2018 I-Codes | The 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and Kentucky Residential Code (KRC), based on the 2018 IBC and IRC respectively, become effective for all residential and commercial construction. These codes include state-specific amendments to enhance safety and address local needs such as energy efficiency and resilience against natural disasters. The KBC is a min/max code, meaning it is the statewide uniform mandatory building code. Local governments cannot adopt or enforce any other building code. |
| October 1, 2014 | 2013 Kentucky Building Code becomes effective | The 2013 Kentucky Building Code (KBC), based on the 2012 IBC with references to the 2012 IECC, becomes effective for nonresidential buildings. The Kentucky Building Code establishes minimum standards for all commercial and multifamily residential buildings and is mandatory statewide. The code ensures the public safety, health, and welfare as they are affected by building construction. The KBC is a min/max code, applicable statewide without local deviations except for the Kentucky Residential Code governing specific residential buildings. |
| May 9, 2012 | RESNET Memorandum of Understanding with Homebuilders Association of Lexington | RESNET signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Homebuilders Association of Lexington. The MOU states that the Kentucky builder association commits all of their builder members to have all of their homes energy rated and market their homes’ HERS Index Score. The Kentucky homebuilder association commits to having all homes individually inspected and tested. Read more: RESNET article | HBA Lexington |
| May 19, 2011 | Update proposal for the Kentucky Residential Code | The Board of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction approves a proposal to update the 2007 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC), whose 2nd edition is currently based on the 2006 IRC, to reference the 2009 IECC. The proposal includes one weakening amendment: basement insulation will only be required from the top of the wall to below the frost line. |
| March 6, 2011 | Updated editions of the KBC and KRC become effective | Updated editions of the Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and Kentucky Residential Code (KRC) become effective. The 2007 KBC, based on the 2006 IBC, is revised for its 9th edition to reference the 2009 IECC as the energy code for the nonresidential buildings covered by the KBC. Chapter 11 covers energy efficiency, and it has been amended such that demonstrating compliance with the 2009 IECC is the sole compliance path for the buildings covered by the KRC. Mandatory compliance begins on June 1, 2011. |
Contacts
Winne Blythe
Technical Advisor/Plan Reviewer
Division of Building Codes Enforcement
Email: winnie.blythe@ky.gov
Lee Colten
Assistant Director, Efficiency and Conservation
Department for Energy Development and Independence
Email: lee.colten@ky.gov
Isaac Elnecave
Senior Policy Manager
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA)
Email: ielnecave@mwalliance.org
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
- A Tale of Bright Highs and Dark Lows: The State of Energy Efficiency in the Midwest August 11, 2014
- Alliance Announces SEEA’s ‘Graduation’ Into Standalone Entity May 20, 2013
BCAP Projects
Compliance Collaboratives
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.