Building Code Information
Building codes are adopted to provide a reasonable level of safety, and protection of public health, general welfare and property.
They are published on a three year cycle to reflect the latest standards of life-safety and construction technology. The amendments to the building codes are adopted by City Council to modify the codes to conform to the particular physical and political conditions of our City.
2021 City Amendments
The following codes were adopted Sep. 20, 2022 and will become effective Jan. 1, 2023:
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) Amendments (PDF)
- 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Amendments (PDF)
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) (PDF)
- 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) Amendments (PDF)
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) Amendments (PDF)
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) Amendments (PDF)
- 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) Amendments (PDF)
- 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Amendments (PDF)
The following codes were adopted Dec. 6, 2022 and will become effective as follows:;
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) Amendments (PDF) - Effective Jan. 7, 2023
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Amendments (PDF) - Effective Jan. 7, 2023
- 2021 International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Amendments (PDF) - Effective July 1, 2023 (mandatory)
Compliance Tools
Residential
- 2021 IRC Building Code Plan Review Checklist (DOC)
- 2021 Residential Energy Compliance Certificate (PDF)
- 2021 Residential Energy Efficiency Certificate Sticker (PDF)
- 2021 Residential Mechanical Ventilation Options (PDF)
- 2021 Residential Hot Water Distribution Options (PDF)
- 2021 Residential Solar Ready Requirements (PDF)
Commercial/Multifamily
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2021 IECC Commercial Notes on Plans (PDF)
- 2021 IECC Tenant Improvement (TI) Plan Review Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IECC Interior Lighting Controls Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IECC Commercial Commissioning Certificate (PDF)
International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
- 2021 IgCC Development Review (DR) Site Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Building Plan Review Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Commercial Notes on Plans (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Tenant Improvement (TI) Plan Review Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Heat Island Mitigation Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Landscape Irrigation Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Product Emissions Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Reduced Impact Materials Checklist (PDF)
- 2021 IgCC Reduced Impact Materials Worksheet (PDF)
Related Resources
- Top 10 Residential Energy Code Changes (PDF)
- Top 10 Commercial Energy Code Changes (PDF)
- Solar Panel Placement Guidelines for Commercial Buildings (PDF)
- Interpretations and Applications of Building Codes
- Code Adoption History (PDF)
Allowable Soil Bearing Pressure
In general, for commercial construction projects, the City of Scottsdale requires a soils report. (See Sec. 1803 of the 2021 International Building Code.) However, there may be instances where the extent of a project is small and the requirement for a soils report is not pressed. In these instances, we would allow no less than the code minimum of Table 1806.2, Class 4 soil material. For this type of soil, we revise the Allowable Foundation Pressure from the stated 2,000 to a value of 1,500 psf max. Based on the extent of the project, we would reserve the right to request a report as stated in the Code section noted above.
Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria
Design Wind Speed
2021 IBC & IRC
- Occupancy Category I = 95 MPH
- Occupancy Category II = 105 MPH
- Occupancy Category III = 110 MPH
- Occupancy Category IV = 115 MPH
Occupancy Category determined by 2021 IBC Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures Table 1604.5
IRC
- Wind Exposure:
- B or C as defined in COS Interpretations & Applications of Building Codes & Regulations No.15-1
- Seismic Design:
- Category 'B' for SFR, For other occupancies, Engineer to Calculate
Snow Load = None
Winter Design Temp = 37F
Summer Design Temp = 105F