North Dakota does not have a statewide mandatory energy code. For jurisdictional energy code adoptions, please click here.
Current Commercial Code of North DakotaÂ
Effective January 1, 2021, the North Dakota State Building Code consists of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) along with state amendments to these codes. The amendments to individual codes were first reviewed by the Building Code Advisory Committee, and recommendations were developed by the Committee for each proposed amendment. These codes are adopted to ensure that commercial construction in North Dakota meets the latest standards in safety and energy efficiency.
Click here for: Montana Building CodesÂ
Current Residential Code
Effective January 1, 2021, the North Dakota State Building Code consists of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) along with state amendments to these codes. The proposed code amendments were first reviewed by the Building Code Advisory Committee, and recommendations were developed by the Committee for each proposed amendment.
North Dakota is a Home Rule state where the State Building Code applies only to local jurisdictions, that choose to adopt it. If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code. However, a jurisdiction is permitted to further amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs. Fully chartered Home Rule Cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code, but at the present time, all that enforce a building code have elected to adopt the same individual codes that make up the State Building Code.
Climate Zones: 6A, 7
Code Adoption and Change Process
Code Change Process
Legislative and Regulatory Process: The North Dakota Department of Commerce, in cooperation with the Building Code Advisory Committee, adopts rules to implement, amend, and periodically adopt rules to update the state building code. Rules and regulations associated with a new code are established through the Administrative Practices Act. This process ensures that the codes reflect the latest standards for safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Code Change Cycle
New editions of the code are considered for adoption as they become available. This approach allows North Dakota to stay current with advancements in building technology and practices, aligning with national standards periodically revised by recognized international existing building code bodies.
Next Code Update
The North Dakota Building Code Advisory Committee is scheduled to review new building codes again in the upcoming cycle, with the latest versions of the codes expected to be adopted and become effective at the beginning of 2024. This review will include all relevant sections of the building codes, ensuring comprehensive updates to match evolving building standards and requirements.
History
| 2021 | The updated North Dakota State Building Code now consists of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), along with state amendments to these codes. The amendments were reviewed by the Building Code Advisory Committee with recommendations developed for each proposed amendment. Effective January 1, 2021. |
| January 1, 2014 | The updated North Dakota State Building Code now consists of the 2012 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code, along with state amendments to these four codes. The amendments were first reviewed by the Building Code Advisory Committee and recommendations were developed by the Committee for each proposed amendment. On September 4-5, 2012, eligible cities and counties, along with eligible members of the Building Code Advisory Committee, voted on each recommendation. However, the voluntary energy code requirements are still based on the 2009 IECC; the substitution of Chapter 11 of the IRC is also still allowed. |
| January 1, 2011 | Updates to the 2008 State Building Code become effective. By legislative mandate, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services updated the 2008 State Building Code and reviewed amendments to the 2009 IECC in addition to the 2009 IBC, 2009 IRC, 2009 IMC, and 2009 IFGC. Energy conservation standards must now be included in the State Building Code. |
| July-August 2010 | By legislative mandate, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services is updating the 2008 State Building Code and reviewing amendments to the 2009 IECC (also the 2009 IBC, 2009 IRC, 2009 IMC, and 2009 IFGC). Energy conservation standards must now be included in the State Building Code, though they remain voluntary. As North Dakota is a home rule state, local jurisdictions can choose to adopt the amended state code, a different code, or no code at all. |
| April 22, 2009 | North Dakota Governor John Hoeven signs SB 2352, removing the state’s stand-alone building energy standards with the intent of folding new requirements into the state’s suite of building codes. In August, the state’s voluntary energy codes (the 1993 MEC and ASHRAE 90.1-1989) are effectively removed. |
| December 1, 2008 | The North Dakota State Building Code, including the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), becomes effective. However, the energy efficiency chapters (Chapter 13 of the IBC and Chapter 11 of the IRC) have been deleted. |
| July 22, 2002 | A new Administrative Rule (Article 108, Chapter 108-01) to implement, amend, and periodically update the state building code becomes effective. |
| 2001 | The 57th Legislative Assembly creates a Building Code Advisory Committee to help write administrative rules and to develop recommendations on proposed code amendments. |
| October 1995 | The energy code is updated to the 1993 MEC. |
| August 1, 1994 | Cities, townships, and counties that elect to enforce a building code are now responsible for adopting and enforcing the state building code, but may amend the code to conform to local needs. Local governments that have not elected to adopt and enforce the state building code are responsible for assuring that plans and specifications for alterations and new construction of their buildings comply with the state building code. |
| 1993 | The Legislative Assembly shifts the responsibility for updating the state building code to the Office of Management and Budget, which then designates the Office of Intergovernmental Assistance (now the Division of Community Services) to adopt rules to implement and periodically update and amend the code. During the same year, the 1989 MEC is adopted as a statewide minimum/maximum standard for state-funded buildings and a voluntary standard for jurisdictions that choose to adopt an energy code. |
| 1991 | The legislature provides for the state building code to be updated as new editions of the codes are published. This procedure, however, is later declared unconstitutional. Until |
Contacts
Bruce Hagen
Weatherization Program Manager
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Email: bahagen@nd.gov
Isaac Elnecave
Senior Policy Manager
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA)
Email: ielnecave@mwalliance.org
News and Events
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.