Building Code Amendments

7
15A-3-202
15A-3-801
0
Building Code Amendments
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Jordan D. Teuscher
Senate Sponsor:
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill modifies the State Construction Code.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
allows a person to alter, add to, or repair an existing structure without bringing the
existing structure up to new-construction standards unless the alteration, addition, or
repair makes the structure less safe than the structure was before.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
15A-3-202
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 532
15A-3-801
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 505
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section
15A-3-202
is amended to read:
15A-3-202
. Amendments to Chapters 1 through 5 of IRC.
(1)
In IRC, Section R101.2, Exception, the words "where provided with an automatic
sprinkler system complying with Section P2904" are deleted.
(2)
In IRC, Section R101.2, Exception, the words "6. A triplex or fourplex of no more than
two levels with 2-hour fire-resistance-rated vertical shared wall assemblies tested in
accordance with ASTM E119 or UL263, 1-hour fire-resistance-rated horizontal floor
assemblies tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL263, and independent egress for
each unit." are added.
(3)
In IRC, Section R102, a new Section R102.7.2 is added as follows: "R102.7.2 Physical
change for bedroom window egress. A structure whose egress window in an existing
bedroom is smaller than required by this code, and that complied with the construction
code in effect at the time that the bedroom was finished, is not required to undergo a
physical change to conform to this code if the change would compromise the structural
integrity of the structure or could not be completed in accordance with other applicable
requirements of this code, including setback and window well requirements."
(4)
In IRC, Section R102, a new Section R102.7.3 is added as follows:
"R102.7.3 Conformity of additions, alterations, or repairs. An addition, alteration,
or repair to an existing structure is not required to conform to the requirements for a new
structure unless the addition, alteration, or repair results in a condition that is less safe
than the condition of the structure prior to the work."
(4)
(5)
In IRC Section R105.2, under Building, the following changes are made:
(a)
Number 3 is deleted and replaced with the following: "3. Retaining walls retaining
less than 4 feet (1219mm) of unbalanced fill, unless supporting a surcharge or
requiring design per Section R404.4."
(b)
Number 10 is deleted and replaced with the following: "10. Decks that are not more
than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point and not requiring guardrails, that
do not serve exit door required by Section R311.4."
(5)
(6)
In IRC, Section R105.2, a new exception is added: "11. Grade level, non-connected
conex boxes, less than 350 square feet, used for storage only."
(6)
(7)
In IRC, Section R108.3, the following sentence is added at the end of the section:
"The building official shall not request proprietary information."
(7)
(8)
In IRC, Section 109.1.5, is deleted and replaced with the following: "R109.1.5
Other inspections. In addition to the inspections listed in R109.1.1 through R109.1.4, the
building official shall have the authority to inspect the proper installation of insulation.
R109.1.5.1 Weather-resistant exterior wall envelope inspections. An inspection shall be
made of the weather-resistant exterior wall envelope as required by Section R703.1 and
flashings as required by Section R703.4 to prevent water from entering the
weather-resistive barrier.

R109.1.5.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction inspection.
Where fire-resistance-rated construction is required between dwelling units or due to
location on property, the building official shall require an inspection of such
construction after lathing or gypsum board or gypsum panel products are in place, but
before any plaster is applied, or before board or panel joints and fasteners are taped and
finished."
(8)
(9)
In IRC, Section R202, the following definition is added: "ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT: A habitable living unit created within the existing footprint of a
primary owner-occupied single-family dwelling."
(9)
(10)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition for "Approved" is modified by adding the
words "or independent third-party licensed engineer or architect and submitted to the
building official" after the word "official."
(10)
(11)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition for "Approved Agency" is modified by
replacing the word "and" with "or."
(11)
(12)
In IRC, Section 202, the definition for "Approved Source" is modified by adding
the words "or licensed engineer or architect" after the word "official."
(12)
(13)
In IRC, Section R202, the following definition is added: "CERTIFIED
BACKFLOW PREVENTER ASSEMBLY TESTER: A person who has shown
competence to test Backflow prevention assemblies to the satisfaction of the authority
having jurisdiction under Utah Code, Subsection
19-4-104(4)
."
(13)
(14)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition of "Cross Connection" is deleted and
replaced with the following: "CROSS CONNECTION. Any physical connection or
potential connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems,
one of which contains potable water and the other either water of unknown or
questionable safety or steam, gas, or chemical, whereby there exists the possibility for
flow from one system to the other, with the direction of flow depending on the pressure
differential between the two systems (see "Backflow, Water Distribution")."
(14)
(15)
In IRC, Section 202, the following definition is added: "DUAL SOURCE
CONNECTION. A pipe that is installed so that either the nonpotable (i.e. secondary)
irrigation water or the potable water is connected to a pressurized irrigation system at
one time, but not both at the same time; or a pipe that is installed so that either the
potable water or private well water is connected to a residence at one time, but not both
at the same time. The potable water supply line shall be protected by a reduced pressure
backflow preventer."
(15)
(16)
In IRC, Section 202, the following definition is added: "ENERGY STORAGE
SYSTEM (ESS). One or more devices, assembled together, that are capable of storing
energy for supplying electrical energy at a future time."
(16)
(17)
In IRC, Section 202, in the definition for gray water a comma is inserted after the
word "washers"; the word "and" is deleted; and the following is added to the end: "and
clear water wastes which have a pH of 6.0 to 9.0; are non-flammable; non-combustible;
without objectionable odors; non-highly pigmented; and will not interfere with the
operation of the sewer treatment facility."
(17)
(18)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition of "Potable Water" is deleted and replaced
with the following: "POTABLE WATER. Water free from impurities present in
amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects and conforming to
the Utah Code, Title 19, Chapter 4, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Title 19, Chapter 5,
Water Quality Act, and the regulations of the public health authority having jurisdiction."
(18)
(19)
In IRC, Figure R301.2 (3), is deleted and replaced with R301.2 (3) as follows:

"TABLE R301.2 (3)
GROUND SNOW LOADS FOR SELECTED LOCATIONS IN UTAH
City/Town
County
Ground Snow Load (lb/ft2)
Elevation (ft)
Beaver
Beaver
35
5886
Brigham City
Box Elder
42
4423
Castle Dale
Emery
32
5669
Coalville
Summit
57
5581
Duchesne
Duchesne
39
5508
Farmington
Davis
35
4318
Fillmore
Millard
30
5138
Heber City
Wasatch
60
5604
Junction
Piute
27
6030
Kanab
Kane
25
4964
Loa
Wayne
37
7060
Logan
Cache
43
4531
Manila
Daggett
26
6368
Manti
Sanpete
37
5620
Moab
Grand
21
4029
Monticello
San Juan
67
7064
Morgan
Morgan
52
5062
Nephi
Juab
39
5131
Ogden
Weber
37
4334
Panguitch
Garfield
41
6630
Parowan
Iron
32
6007
Price
Carbon
31
5558
Provo
Utah
31
4541
Randolph
Rich
50
6286
Richfield
Sevier
27
5338
St. George
Washington
21
2585
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake
28
4239
Tooele
Tooele
35
5029
Vernal
Uintah
39
5384
Note: To convert lb/ft2 to kN/m2, multiply by 0.0479. To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048.1. Statutory requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction are not included in this state ground snow load table.
2. For locations where there is substantial change in altitude over the city/town, the load applies at and below the cited elevation, with a tolerance of 100 ft (30 m).
3. For other locations in Utah, see Bean, B., Maguire, M., Sun, Y. (2018), "The Utah Snow Load Study," Utah State University Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications, Paper 3589, http://utahsnowload.usu.edu/, for ground snow load values."
(19)
(20)
In IRC, Section R301.6, is deleted and replaced with the following: "R301.6
Utah Snow Loads. The snow loads specified in Table R301.2(5b) shall be used for the
jurisdictions identified in that table. Otherwise, for other locations in Utah, see Bean,
B., Maguire, M., Sun, Y. (2018), "The Utah Snow Load Study," Utah State University
Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications, Paper 3589,
http://utahsnowload.usu.edu/, for ground snow load values."
(20)
(21)
In IRC, Section R302.2, the following sentence is added at the end of the
paragraph: "When an access/maintenance agreement or easement is in place, plumbing,
mechanical ducting, schedule 40 steel gas pipe, and electric service conductors including
feeders, are permitted to penetrate the common wall at grade, above grade, or below
grade."
(21)
(22)
In IRC, Section R302.3, a new exception 3 is added as follows: "3. Accessory
dwelling units separated by walls or floor assemblies protected by not less than 1/2-inch
(12.7 mm) gypsum board or equivalent on each side of the wall or bottom of the floor
assembly are exempt from the requirements of this section."
(22)
(23)
In IRC, Section R302.5.1, the last sentence is deleted.
(23)
(24)
In IRC, Section R302.13, is deleted.
(24)
(25)
In IRC, Section R303.4, the following exception is added: "Exception: Dwelling
units tested in accordance with Section N1102.4.1.2 (R402.4.1.2) which has an air
tightness of 3.0 ACH (50) or greater do not require mechanical ventilation."
(25)
(26)
In IRC, Section R310.1, all words in the last sentence after "or to a yard or
court", are deleted, and Exception 3 of this section is deleted.
(26)
(27)
In IRC, Section R310.7, in the exception, the words "or accessory dwelling
units" are added after the words "sleeping rooms".
(27)
(28)
IRC, Sections R311.7.45 through R311.7.5.3, are deleted and replaced with the
following: "R311.7.45.1 Stair treads and risers. R311.7.5.1 Riser height. The maximum riser
height shall be 8 inches (203 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading
edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not
exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
R311.7.5.2 Tread depth. The minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (228 mm). The
tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost
projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge. The greatest tread
depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured as above at
a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side where the treads are narrower. Winder treads shall
have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm) at any point. Within any flight of stairs, the
greatest winder tread depth at the 12-inch (305 mm) walk line shall not exceed the smallest by
more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
R311.7.5.3 Nosing. The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread shall be no
greater than 9/16 inch (14.3 mm). A nosing not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) but not more than
1 1/4 inches (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers. The greatest nosing
projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings. Beveling of
nosing shall not exceed 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the
underside of the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0.51
rad) from the vertical. Open risers are permitted, provided that the opening between treads
does not permit the passage of a 4-inch diameter (102 mm) sphere.
Exceptions.
1. A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 10 inches (254 mm).
2. The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30
inches (762 mm) or less."
(28)
(29)
In IRC, Section R312.2, is deleted.
(29)
(30)
In IRC, Sections R313.1 through R313.2.1, are deleted and replaced with the
following: "R313.1 Design and installation. When installed, automatic residential fire
sprinkler systems for townhouses or one- and two-family dwellings shall be designed
and installed in accordance with Section P2904 or NFPA 13D."
(30)
(31)
In IRC, Section R314.2.2, the words "accessory dwelling units," are added after
the words "Where alterations, repairs."
(31)
(32)
In IRC, Section R315.2.2, the words "accessory dwelling units," are added after
the words "Where alterations, repairs."
(32)
(33)
In IRC, Section 315.3, the following words are added to the first sentence after
the word "installed": "on each level of the dwelling unit and."
(33)
(34)
A new IRC, Section R328.12, is added as follows:
"R328.12 Signage. A sign located on the exterior of the dwelling shall be installed at a
location approved by the authority having jurisdiction which identifies the battery chemistry
included in the ESS. This sign shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment
involved and shall not be handwritten."
(34)
(35)
In IRC, Section 403.1.3.5.3, an exception is added as follows: "Exception:
Vertical steel in footings shall be permitted to be located while concrete is still plastic
and before it has set. Where vertical steel resists placement or the consolidation of
concrete around steel is impeded, the concrete shall be vibrated to ensure full contact
between the vertical steel and concrete."
(35)
(36)
In IRC, Section R403.1.6, a new Exception 3 is added as follows: "3. When
anchor bolt spacing does not exceed 32 inches (813 mm) apart, anchor bolts may be
placed with a minimum of two bolts per plate section located not less than 4 inches (102
mm) from each end of each plate section at interior bearing walls, interior braced wall
lines, and at all exterior walls."
(36)
(37)
In IRC, Section R403.1.6.1, a new exception is added at the end of Item 2 and
Item 3 as follows: "Exception: When anchor bolt spacing does not exceed 32 inches
(816 mm) apart, anchor bolts may be placed with a minimum of two bolts per plate
section located not less than 4 inches (102 mm) from each end of each plate section at
interior bearing walls, interior braced wall lines, and at all exterior walls."
(37)
(38)
In IRC, Section R404.1, a new exception is added as follows: "Exception: As an
alternative to complying with Sections R404.1 through R404.1.5.3, concrete and
masonry foundation walls may be designed in accordance with IBC Sections 1807.1.5
and 1807.1.6 as amended in Section 1807.1.6.4 and Table 1807.1.6.4 under these rules."
(38)
(39)
In IRC, Section R405.1, a second exception is added as follows: "Exception:
When a geotechnical report has been provided for the property, a drainage system is not
required unless the drainage system is required as a condition of the geotechnical report.
The geotechnical report shall make a recommendation regarding a drainage system."
(39)
(40)
In IRC, Section R506.2.3, the words "10-mil (0.010 inch; 0.25 mm)" are deleted
and replaced with "6-mil (0.006 inch; 0.152 mm)" and the words "conforming to ASTM
E1745 Class A requirements" are deleted.
(40)
(41)
In IRC, Section 507.2.1, Wood materials. The following sentence is added after
the words, "in accordance with section R317," "field applied weather resistant barrier
applied to the top of untreated material,".
Section 2. Section
15A-3-801
is amended to read:
15A-3-801
. General provisions.
The following are adopted as amendments to the IEBC and are applicable statewide:
(1)
In IEBC, Section 101, a new Section 101.4.3 is added as follows:
"101.4.3 Conformity of additions, alterations, or repairs. An addition, alteration,
or repair to an existing structure is not required to conform to the requirements for a new
structure unless the addition, alteration, or repair results in a condition that is less safe
than the condition of the structure prior to the work."
(2)
In IEBC, Section 202, the definition for "Approved" is modified by adding the words
"or independent third-party licensed engineer or architect and submitted to the building
official" after the word official.
(2)
(3)
In Section 202, the following definition is added: "BUILDING OFFICIAL. See
Code official."
(3)
(4)
In Section 202, the definition for "Code official" is deleted and replaced with the
following:
"CODE OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
charged with the administration and enforcement of this code."
(4)
(5)
In Section 202, the definition for "Existing buildings" is deleted and replaced with the
following:
"EXISTING BUILDING. A building that is not a dangerous building and that was
either lawfully erected under a prior adopted code, or deemed a legal non-conforming building
by the code official."
(5)
(6)
In IEBC, Section 302.3, the following is added after the words "code official" in the
last sentence: "or independent third-party licensed engineer or architect and submitted to
the building official."
(6)
(7)
In Section 301.3, the exception is deleted.
(7)
(8)
Section 503.6 is deleted and replaced with the following:
"503.6 Bracing for unreinforced masonry parapets and other appendages upon reroofing.
Where the intended alteration requires a permit for reroofing and involves removal of
roofing materials from more than 25% of the roof area of a building assigned to Seismic
Design Category D, E, or F that has parapets constructed of unreinforced masonry or
appendages such as cornices, spires, towers, tanks, signs, statuary, etc., the work shall include
installation of bracing to resist out-of-plane seismic forces, unless an evaluation demonstrates
compliance of such items. Reduced seismic forces are permitted for design purposes."
(8)
(9)
Section 706.3.1 is deleted and replaced with the following:
"706.3.1 Bracing for unreinforced masonry bearing wall parapets and other appendages.
Where a permit is issued for reroofing more than 25 percent of the roof area of a
building assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F that has parapets constructed of
unreinforced masonry or appendages such as cornices, spires, towers, tanks, signs, statuary,
etc., the work shall include installation of bracing to resist the reduced International Building
Code level seismic forces as specified in Section 303 of this code unless an evaluation
demonstrates compliance of such items."
(9)
(10)
Section 906.6 is deleted and replaced with the following:
"906.6 Bracing for unreinforced masonry parapets and other appendages upon reroofing.
Where the intended alteration requires a permit for reroofing and involves removal of
roofing materials from more than 25% of the roof area of a building assigned to Seismic
Design Category D, E, or F that has parapets constructed of unreinforced masonry or
appendages such as cornices, spires, towers, tanks, signs, statuary, etc., the work shall include
installation of bracing to resist out-of-plane seismic forces, unless an evaluation demonstrates
compliance with such items. Reduced seismic forces are permitted for design purposes."
(10)
(11)
(a)
Section 1006.3 is deleted and replaced with the following:
"1006.3 Seismic loads. Where a change of occupancy results in a building being
assigned to a higher risk category, or when a change of occupancy results in a design occupant
load increase of 100% or more, the building shall satisfy the requirements of Section 1613 of
the International Building Code using full seismic forces."
(b)
In Section 1006.3, exceptions 1 through 4 remain unchanged.
(c)
In Section 1006.3, add a new exception 5 as follows:
"5. Where the design occupant load increase is less than 25 occupants and the occupancy
category does not change."
(11)
(12)
In Section 1011.7.3, exception 2 is deleted.
Section 3.
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on
May 6, 2026
.
1-28-26 12:48 PM