Mississippi Building Codes

Mississippi Building Codes

Mississippi building codes are tailored to address the state’s hot, humid climate, hurricane risks in coastal regions, and local infrastructure challenges. Emphasis is placed on structural integrity, fire safety, electrical reliability, and energy efficiency, particularly in regions vulnerable to high winds and flooding.

Current Commercial Code of Mississippi

Base Code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
Effective Date: 2024
Amendments: Mississippi adopts the 2021 IBC with state-specific amendments. These adjustments focus on improving safety in hurricane-prone zones, especially in the Gulf Coast region, and ensuring structural resilience for both low-rise and high-rise commercial buildings.

Other Relevant Codes for Commercial Buildings in Mississippi:

  • Mississippi Fire Code: Based on the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), with tailored amendments for emergency response and fire suppression.

  • Mississippi Mechanical Code: Incorporates provisions from the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC).

  • Mississippi Plumbing Code: Based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC).

  • Mississippi Electrical Code: Based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), with state-specific amendments for safety and reliability.

  • Mississippi Elevator and Escalator Code: Adopts ASME A17.1-2019 standards for conveyance safety.

Energy Compliance:

  • Mississippi Energy Code: Currently references the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for both commercial and residential buildings. Local amendments emphasize HVAC efficiency and insulation in high humidity zones.

Current Residential Code of Mississippi

Mississippi

Base Code: 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
Effective Date: 2024
Amendments: Mississippi applies specific amendments to address resilience against hurricanes, wind uplift, and flood risks, particularly along the Gulf Coast. The code covers design and construction for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

Other Relevant Residential Building Codes in Mississippi:

  • Mississippi Plumbing Code: Based on the 2021 IPC, with minor adjustments.

  • Mississippi Mechanical Code: Adopts the 2021 IMC.

  • Mississippi Electrical Code: Follows the 2023 NEC, ensuring residential electrical safety and surge protection.

  • Mississippi Fire Sprinkler Codes:

    • NFPA 13 (2022) for standard systems

    • NFPA 13R (2022) for low-rise residential

    • NFPA 13D (2022) for one- and two-family dwellings

Energy Compliance:

  • Mississippi Energy Code: The state follows the 2021 IECC for residential buildings, amended to account for high summer cooling loads and moisture control.

Accessibility:

  • Mississippi Accessibility Requirements: Mississippi references ADA 2010 Standards and ICC A117.1, with localized guidance for public housing and educational facilities.

Climate Zones: 2A, 3A

List of All Current Codes in Mississippi

  • Mississippi Building Code 2024 (IBC 2021) – View Code

  • Mississippi Residential Code 2024 (IRC 2021) – View Code

  • Mississippi Fire Code 2024 (IFC 2021) – View Code

  • Mississippi Electrical Code 2023 (NEC 2023) – View Code

  • Mississippi Fire Sprinkler Code 2022 (NFPA 13) – View Code

  • Mississippi One- and Two-Family Dwelling Sprinkler Code 2022 (NFPA 13D) – View Code

  • Mississippi Low-Rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Code 2022 (NFPA 13R) – View Code

  • Mississippi Fuel Gas Code 2022 (IFGC 2021) – View Code

  • Mississippi Elevator Code 2022 (ASME A17.1-2019) – View Code

  • Mississippi Concrete Code (ACI 318-10 and ACI 117-10) – View Code

  • Mississippi Post-Installed Anchors & Structural Components – View Code

  • Mississippi Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions (NFPA 5000-2021) – View Code

Adopted Building Codes by Category

Code Type Adopted Version
International Building Code (IBC) 2018
International Residential Code (IRC) 2018
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2018
International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 2018
International Fire Code (IFC) 2018
International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2018 / 2015
International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2018
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2018
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) 2015
Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC) 2006

Approved Compliance Tools

  • REScheck & COMcheck: Accepted for energy code compliance under the 2021 IECC.

  • Manual J, S, D: Required for residential HVAC design.

  • Structural Calculations: Mandatory for wind-load compliance in Gulf Coast zones.

Energy Code in Mississippi

For commercial and state-owned buildings, Mississippi enforces ASHRAE 90.1-2010. This requirement does not apply to residential structures unless specifically adopted by a local jurisdiction.

Some cities voluntarily follow the 2018 IECC to support energy-efficient construction, especially in larger metro areas or state-funded projects.

Code Adoption and Change Process

Local Authority Adoption (Home Rule System)

Mississippi operates under a home rule system, meaning each city or county has full authority to adopt and enforce building codes independently. The Mississippi State Codes Council does not mandate statewide adoption of I-Codes (International Codes), but it does provide a list of approved code versions that local jurisdictions may choose from.

If a jurisdiction opts to enforce building regulations, the codes adopted must be approved by the State Building Code Council, typically from the latest editions of the IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and others.

Code Change Cycle

Irregular – not on a fixed schedule. Adoption tends to follow ICC releases by 2–3 years, but varies depending on legislative and regulatory review.

There is no fixed or statewide cycle for code updates in Mississippi. The decision to update is made locally and can vary widely between jurisdictions.

In larger cities like Jackson or Biloxi, the code adoption process typically includes:

  • Review by local building departments or city councils

  • Public hearings or community input sessions

  • A formal vote to adopt the code (often with amendments)

  • A transition period of 6–12 months to allow stakeholders (builders, code officials, engineers) to adjust to the new regulations

Next Code Update

Tentatively expected after the release and review of the 2024 I-Codes (possibly in 2026).

History

  • 2024: Adoption of 2021 IBC, IRC, IFC, and updated sprinkler and elevator codes.

  • 2023: Mississippi Electrical Code updated to NEC 2023.

  • 2022: Updates to NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D for sprinkler systems.

  • 2019–2021: Incorporation of structural concrete (ACI) and mechanical codes.

  • Earlier: Local jurisdictions previously adopted codes independently; the statewide standardization process began consolidating under the Fire Marshal’s office.

Contacts

Larissa Williams
Technical Assistance Manager
Mississippi Development Authority
Email: lwilliams@mississippi.org

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

News and Events
BCAP Resources
Helpful Links