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)

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        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) 

            Related Resources

            • Top 10 Residential Energy Code Changes
            • Top 10 Commercial Energy Code Changes
              • Interpretations and Applications of Building Codes
              • 2015 IRC Building Code Plan Review Checklist (DOC)
              • Residential Mechanical Ventilation Options (PDF)
              • Residential Hot Water Distribution Options (PDF)
              • Residential Solar Ready Requirements (PDF)
              • Energy Compliance Certificate - Residential (PDF)
              • Energy Compliance Certificate - Commercial (PDF)
              • Energy Compliance for Group R-2 Apartments and Condos (PDF)
              • Energy System Commissioning Certificate - Commercial (PDF)
              • 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 2015 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

              2015 IBC & IRC

              • Occupancy Category I = 105 MPH
              • Occupancy Category II = 115 MPH
              • Occupancy Category III & IV = 120 MPH

              Occupancy Category determined by 2015 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 = 34F

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