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Code Status: Montana

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Texas. Information for all 50 States is also available. Montana Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: ARM Title 24, Chapter 301.160 incorporates the 2009 IECC with state amendments and is mandatory statewide. REScheck may be used to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: ARM Title 24, Chapter 301.160 incorporates the 2009 IECC with state amendments and is mandatory statewide. COMcheck may be to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: Three-year code review/change cycle. The most recent update became effective on March 26, 2010 (the state's 46 local certified jurisdictions will have an additional 90 days to adopt the same code and edition for their jurisdictions. All other areas are under the jurisdiction of the State Building Codes Bureau).
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: The energy codes are reviewed on a three-year cycle corresponding to the adoption of new versions of the International Code Conference (ICC) Uniform Codes. Proposed changes are submitted to the Building Codes Bureau, which must file its proposed rules with the Secretary of State within six months of adoption.

State Code History: Montana first adopted a statewide building code in 1972 with the adoption of the ICBO Uniform Codes. The state's first energy code was the 1983 Model Energy Code (MEC). Montana adopted the appendix of Chapter 53 (Energy) referenced in the 1985 Uniform Building Code, which referenced the 1983 MEC.

Montana adopted several of the MEC editions and supplements in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the 1991 MEC with reference the first Standard 90.1 edition, ASHRAE 90.1-1989.

The state adopted the 2003 IECC with minimal changes as the statewide energy code on September 3, 2004. Effective January 26, 2007, Montana has adopted the 2006 version of all the other I-Codes (including the IBC and IRC), but not the IECC.

In spring 2010, Montana adopted the 2009 IECC with state amendments. Following a public hearing in November 2009, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) filed the final adoption notice to amend ARM 24.301.161 with the Secretary of State on March 15 with an effective date of March 26, 2010. The state's 46 local certified jurisdictions will have an additional 90 days to adopt the same code and edition for their jurisdictions. All other areas are under the jurisdiction of the State Building Codes Bureau.

 

Montana Code Chronology

Enactment Date

Effective Date

Description

1972

 

ICBO Uniform Codes

1986

 

1983 Model Energy Code (MEC)

1989

 

1986 MEC

1992

 

1991 MEC supplement (with reference to AHSRAE 90.1-1989)

1994

 

1992 MEC supplement (with amendments)

1996

 

1993 MEC

July 2004

Sept 2004

2003 IECC

Nov 2009

Mar 2010

2009 IECC with state amendments

Source: Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (April 2008)

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 76.2 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 69.1 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 145.3 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 902,195
  • Total Housing Units2: 417,106
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 5,475
    • 1 unit: 3,941
    • 2 units: 268
    • 3 and 4 units: 377
    • 5+ units: 889
    • structures of 5+ units: 74

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
Green Building Initiatives
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Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for Montana's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

David W. Cook
Bureau Chief, Building Codes Bureau
Department of Labor and Industry
State of Montana
301 S. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59620
Tel: 406-841-2053
Fax: 406-841-2050
Email: dcook@mt.gov

Lou Moore
Bureau Chief, Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau
Montana Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 E. Sixth Avenue
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901

Tel: (406) 444-2544
Fax: (406) 444-4386

Email: LMoore@MT.gov

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