Building Codes Assistance Project

[Updated June 29, 2009]

On February 26, companion bills were introduced in the Tennessee legislature to place residential energy efficiency codes under the purview of the State Fire Marshal, who shall select the specific ICC code edition to be implemented. The bill does not reference the IECC, instead establishing the IRC and IBC as adopted codes.

Local governments' building construction safety code publications would be considered "current" if they have been adopted within 7 years of the date of the edition adopted by the state fire marshal.

SB 2300 passed through the Senate Finance Committee in mid-May. On June 4, the House debated roughly 20 amendments to SB 2300, attempting to allow counties to opt out of the state residential code. An amendment containing a sunset provision for 2014 was approved. The codes provisions of the bill now also include a mechanism through which local legislative bodies can "opt out" their communities with a two-thirds vote. Additionally, for communities that have somewhat outdated codes programs, the state will provide incentives in the form of free training and materials to encourage them to update their standards.  You may view the archived legislative proceedings here.

STATUS: On June 11, the House approved the amended SB 2300 by a vote of 82-12. The Senate concurred with the House's amendments on June 12. On June 25, the legislation was signed into law by Governor Phil Bredesen.

More information on SB 2300: Bill Home Page | Text (introduced) | Amendment 261 | House Streaming Video

More information on HB 2318: Bill Home Page | Text (introduced)

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BCAP Tennessee Code Status Page