Current Commercial Code of Oklahoma

Oklahoma Uniform Building Code

Base Code: Based on the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 1-35
Energy Code: 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by reference
Passed: Adoption date not specified, effective from November 1, 2016

Oklahoma Fire Code

Base Code: Based on the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC)
Passed: Adoption date not specified, effective from November 1, 2016

Oklahoma Mechanical Code

Base Code: Based on the 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
Passed: Adoption date not specified, effective from November 1, 2016

Oklahoma Plumbing Code

Base Code: Based on the 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Passed: Adoption date not specified, effective from November 1, 2016

Oklahoma Electrical Code

Base Code: Based on the 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC), with state-specific modifications
Passed: Adoption date not specified, effective from November 1, 2016

Accessibility Code

Base Code: ICC/A117.1-2009, “Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities”
Passed: Adoption date not specified, effective from November 1, 2016

Current Residential Code

Oklahoma Uniform Residential Code

Base Code: Based on the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) with Oklahoma amendments
Equivalent to: Equivalent to the 2009 IRC
Effective: November 1, 2016

This code applies to the construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories high, incorporating state-specific amendments to address local needs and conditions.

Oklahoma City Specifics

Energy Code Used: The city of Oklahoma City is currently using the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Oklahoma building codes

Climate Zones: 3A, 4B

Code Adoption and Change Process

Code Change Process

Regulatory and Legislative: In June 2009, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill (SB 1182) creating the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) that would be charged to review and recommend building codes (including energy codes) for residential and commercial construction for adoption. Under the revised Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 748, the codes and standards recommended by the Commission would go before the Oklahoma Legislature. Should the Legislature not act to disapprove the recommendations, they will be submitted to the Secretary of State (SOS) for filing. Local governments would be allowed to adopt more efficient standards than those recommended by the Commission. The OUBCC has the discretion to choose the method of code adoption that is found to be best and most appropriate. Typically the commission will select and utilize a technical committee to research and review options for code updates and consider the technical committee’s recommended course of action. The public comment phase occurs during the technical committee’s deliberations. The commission may then commence APA rulemaking to adopt the appropriate code updates.

Code Change Cycle

No set schedule

Next Code Update

Chapter 20, Subchapters 5, 9 and 11 – including provisions of the 2009 IECC – will become effective on November 1, 2016.

History

March 2, 2016	Submission of 2015 IRC Rules to Legislature and Governor	The OUBCC’s adopted rules for the 2015 IRC are submitted to the Legislature and Governor for approval, marking the final step in the code adoption process.
July 15, 2011	Adoption of the 2009 IRC	The 2009 IRC becomes effective for residential construction. The Commission’s recommendation, including specific Oklahoma amendments to IRC Chapter 11, is approved by Governor Mary Fallin on May 10, 2011, and not disapproved by the Legislature. Notable amendments include the removal of programmable thermostat requirements, allowance for visual inspections for duct sealing, and making the placement of energy efficiency certificates on a home’s electrical panel voluntary.
October 2010	Code Change Proposal Meetings	The Commission holds the first of several meetings to discuss code change proposals for the 2009 editions of the ICC codes, including the IRC.
June 2009	Creation of the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission	The Oklahoma Legislature passes Senate Bill 1182, creating the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. This body is charged with reviewing and recommending building codes for residential and commercial construction. Codes recommended by the Commission that are not disapproved by the Legislature are submitted to the Secretary of State for filing. Local governments are permitted to adopt standards higher than those recommended by the Commission.

Contacts

Rhonda Harding-Hill
Program Planner, Community Development – Citizen Empowerment
Department of Commerce
Email: rhonda.harding-hill@okcommerce.gov

Vaughn Clark
Director, Community Development – Policy Team
Department of Commerce
Email: vaughn.clark@okcommerce.gov

Christine Herbert
Managing Director
The South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource
Email: cherbert@eepartnership.org

Helpful Links

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Cosimina

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.