Louisiana Building Codes

Current Commercial Code of Louisiana

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Louisiana Uniform Construction Code

  • Base Code: 2015 International Building Code (IBC)
  • Effective Date: The 2015 IBC has been in effect since February 1, 2018, when the latest adoption was finalized.
  • Amendments: Louisiana has made specific state-level amendments to the 2015 IBC, mainly to address local environmental challenges like hurricanes and flooding.

Other Relevant Codes

  • Louisiana Fire Code: Based on the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC), with state-specific amendments.
  • Louisiana Mechanical Code: Adopts the 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
  • Louisiana Plumbing Code: Based on the 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC).
  • Louisiana Electrical Code: Follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), with the most recent adoption typically being one of the latest editions, adapted to state-specific needs.

Energy Regulations

  • Louisiana Energy Code: For commercial buildings, Louisiana enforces the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which includes amendments to suit local climate conditions and promote energy efficiency.

Accessibility

  • Accessibility Standards: Louisiana adheres to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 standards to ensure accessibility in commercial facilities

Current Residential Code

Louisiana Uniform Residential Code

  • Base Code: 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
  • Effective Date: This adoption has been in effect since February 1, 2018.
  • Amendments: Louisiana has made specific state-level amendments to the 2015 IRC to address local needs and conditions, particularly those related to hurricane and flood resistance.

Other Relevant Codes for Residential Construction:

  • Louisiana Plumbing Code: Adopts the 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC).
  • Louisiana Mechanical Code: Utilizes the 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
  • Louisiana Electrical Code: Follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), with the most recent adoption likely being one of the later editions, adapted to state-specific needs.

Energy Compliance:

  • Louisiana Energy Code: For residential buildings, Louisiana follows the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), amended to enhance energy performance and efficiency in line with local climatic conditions.

Accessibility:

  • Louisiana enforces the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009 standards, ensuring that residential facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Climate Zones: 2A, 3A

Code Adoption and Change Process

Code Change Process

Regulatory: Building codes for one- and two-family residential buildings are promulgated through the Louisiana State Uniform Code Council. Because the state adopts the International Residential Code (IRC), changes to the IRC are reviewed and recommended by an IRC review subcommittee, then a Technical Advisory Committee, then by the full Code Council. The final decisions of the Code Council are must then proceed through the state’s administrative rules review process before becoming law. Building codes for other residential buildings and all commercial buildings are developed by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Code Change Cycle

Once adopted, there is usually an announcement of an effective date, giving builders and developers time to adjust to the new regulations. This period between adoption and enforcement allows for training, dissemination of information, and completion of ongoing projects under the old codes.

Next Code Update

The International Code Council (ICC) publishes updates to the I-Codes on a three-year cycle. The most recent edition would be the 2021 I-Codes, as the 2018 codes were the last ones published before this. The LSUCCC typically begins reviewing these updates once published.

History

2021 Review of 2021 I-Codes Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (LSUCCC) begins reviewing the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes) published by the ICC.
2022 Stakeholder Consultation LSUCCC conducts stakeholder consultations to gather feedback on the adoption of the 2021 I-Codes. This includes input from builders, architects, engineers, and the public.
2023 Formal Adoption Process After comprehensive review and consultation, the LSUCCC formally adopts the 2021 I-Codes with state-specific amendments. The process involves committee approvals and may require legislative endorsement.
2024 Effective Date Announcement An effective date for the new codes is announced, giving the industry time to adapt to the new regulations. This period is used for training and transitioning.
2025 Implementation and Enforcement From the announced effective date, the newly adopted codes are enforced by local building departments across Louisiana. Compliance with these codes becomes mandatory for all relevant construction activities.
2026 Ongoing Education and Training The LSUCCC and other educational bodies continue to provide training and educational resources to help industry professionals understand and apply the new codes effectively.
Contacts

Buddy Justice
Technology Assessment Division
Louisiana Department of
Natural Resources
Email: buddy.justice@la.gov

Joe Delaune
Architect, Chief Building Official (CBO)
Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
Email: jdelaune@dps.la.gov

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

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