Building Codes Assistance Project

On January 28, a companion bills (HB 3215 and SB 3192) were introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate that would establish ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as the minimum energy standard for all new buildings that are not 1- and 2-family dwellings. The bills, however, also allow jurisdictions to adopt Standard 90.1-2001, its equivalent, or a more stringent code. The state currently does not have a mandatory energy code for this construction. If it became law, the legislation would be effective July 1, 2010.

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After the passage of legislation in June updating the state's energy codes, the Tennessee Fire Marshal's office will be holding public hearings (schedule below) throughout the state on the prospective regulations. Written public comments will be accepted until Thursday, October 15. A key proposed change up for debate:

[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.

On March 31, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen called on lawmakers to promote energy efficiency in newly constructed homes with a limited statewide residential building code and expand eligibility for federal funds used to "weatherize" existing homes in low-income areas. The building code measure is part of a larger proposal by the state executive to improve the state's clean energy standards.

Upload Date: 07/02/08

On May 14, 2008 the state legislature amended Public Chapter No. 907 by establishing the 2003 IECC as the mandatory minimum energy conservation standard for new residential construction on or after January 1, 2009. The law strongly encourages builders to voluntarily adhere to the 2006 IECC standards for residential and commercial construction.

House Bill 2757 and the corresponding Senate Bill 3092 would remove authorization for local jurisdictions to use the Model Energy Code, 1992 Edition, as minimum requirement for effective energy use in new buildings; requires 2000 International Energy Conservation Code with 2002 amendments, published by the International Code Council, be used as minimum requirements. As of April 2, 2008, both bills are in committee.

The Tennessee House Conservation and Environment Committee House just passed HB 348 which will update energy codes for homes to 2003 IECC. It has been referred to the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee for consideration. Last year the Senate passed (SB 116) the same bill. Final passage of the bill is expected soon.

For more information on the status of HB0348/SB0116, consult the Tennessee Legislature Bill Status webpage.