Tucson, Arizona Building Codes

Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Tucson, AZ adopts the following codes:

  • The International Building Code, 2018 edition, including Appendices E, G, I, and J. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-34 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The International Residential Code, 2018 edition, including Appendices H, Q, R, S, and T. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-38 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The International Existing Building Code, 2018 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-66 (adoption) with amendments.
Helpful resources for Tucson, Arizona include the following.

Residential Building Code

Arizona has yet to adopt a statewide residential code. Local laws will control.See PLRB, Arizona Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Tucson adopted the 2018 IRC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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2018 IRC(Tucson, AZ Sec. 6-34. Building code adopted.)

...The document entitled “International Building Code, 2018 Edition” published by the International Code Council, with local amendments, a copy of which amendments are attached to Ordinance No. 11590 as Exhibit “A” are hereby adopted. (Ord. No. 5331, § 2, 3-22-82; Ord. No. 5771, § 1, 5-23-83; Ord. No. 6567, § 1, 11-10-86; Ord....

Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Tucson ? No
Comments:

No amendments to Table R301.2(1) were found in the residential code amendments.

Contacted Ken Van Karsen, Building Plans Examiner, (8/11/2020) who informed us that "the building official has determined that ice barriers are not required in the City of Tucson."

Government Officials
Last Name First Name Title E-mail Phone Note
Van Karsen Ken Building Plans Examiner PDSD-Residential@tucsonaz.gov

Comments

Tucson, AZ adopts the International Residential Code, 2018 edition, including Appendices H, Q, R, S, and T. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-38 (adoption) with amendments.

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.

There is no mention of the adoption of Appendix J of the 2018 IRC.

Commercial Building Code

Tucson adopted the 2018 IBC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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See Amlegal(Tucson, AZ Municipal Code)

...Adoption not found...

Comments

Tucson, AZ adopts the International Building Code, 2018 edition, including Appendices E, G, I, and J. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-34 (adoption) with amendments.

Existing Buildings

Tucson, AZ adopts the International Existing Building Code, 2018 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-66 (adoption) with amendments.

Other Building Codes

Tucson, AZ also adopts the following codes:

  • The International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-40 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The National Electrical Code (NFPA-70), 2017 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-84 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The International Plumbing Code, 2018 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-124 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The International Mechanical Code, 2018 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-164 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-167 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 edition. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 6-191 (adoption) with amendments.
  • The International Fire Code, 2018 edition, including Appendices B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and M. Tucson, AZ Muni. Code § 13-3 (adoption) with amendments.