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Code Status: Idaho

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

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: 2006 IECC mandatory statewide; can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: 2006 IECC is mandatory statewide; can use COMcheck to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: Three-year code review cycle, concurrent with the publication of new editions of the model codes.
  • Jurisdictions: (Information last updated August 13, 2008. See ICC Online for up-to-date jurisdictional adoption information).
    • 2006 IECC: Ada County, Caldwell
    • 2003 IECC: Acequia, Boise, Bonneville County, Heyburn, Jerome County, Lewiston, Meridian, Minidoka, Minidoka County, Paul, Pocatello, Rupert
    • Other local code: Clearwater County
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Legislative

Code Change Process: Updated codes are adopted every three years by the Idaho Legislature as they are revised by the International Code Council.

State Code History: Idaho was the last state in the Northwest to adopt a non-residential energy code. In 1996 it had no statewide energy code, though the City of Idaho Falls and Kootenai County enacted the Northwest Energy Code (NWEC) in 1989, which included by reference ASHRAE 90.1-1989. In 1999, all state buildings were required to meet ASHRAE 90.1-1989. By 2002, the 2000 IECC had been adopted for all state buildings.

Idaho approved its first statewide commercial energy code along with new residential energy standards through House Bill 586 on March 27, 2002. The legislation required local governments that issue building permits and enforce building codes to adopt the 2000 IECC by January 1, 2003.

On March 23, 2004, House Bill 756 was signed into law, updating the Idaho Building Code Act (Idaho Statutes Title 39, Chapter 41) to include the 2003 IECC. The new code became effective January 1, 2005.

On March 26, 2007, the governor signed HB 137, which made the 2006 IECC mandatory for new buildings statewide effective January 1, 2008.

One April 17, 2009, the governor signed H0220, adopting the 2006 editions of the IBC, IRC, and IEBC, as well as reaffirming the use of the 2006 IECC.

Idaho Code Chronology

Enactment Date

Effective Date

Description

1989

1989

City of Idaho Falls & Kootenai county adopted NWEC

1999

1999

State buildings required to meet ASHRAE 90.1-1989.

June 2002

 

Adopted 2000 IECC for state buildings

Mar 2002

Jan 2003

Adopted 2000 IECC for whole state.

Mar 2004

Jan 2005

Adopted 2003 IECC for whole state

Mar 2007

Jan 2008

Adopted 2006 IECC for whole state

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: 118.0 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector:80.6Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 198.6 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 1,293,953
  • Total Housing Units2: 552,117
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 17,606
    • 1 unit: 15,204
    • 2 units: 416
    • 3 and 4 units: 1,291
    • 5+ units: 695
    • structures of 5+ units: 78

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 Idaho's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

 

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