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Construction Code Modernization
Now, more than ever, we must be at our strongest and most resilient as we Build Houston Forward.
Together we create a strong foundation for Houston to thrive!
Welcome to the City of Houston's Construction Code Modernization project page! We encourage all stakeholders to participate as we prepare for the adoption of the 2021 Building Codes.
Construction codes significantly mitigate the effects of hurricanes, storm surges, and extreme weather changes. By staying current with our building codes, we can help our residents protect their homes and businesses by providing safer, more resilient construction that will support greater economic security and public safety.
There are several ways to contribute to the Construction Code Modernization project. Sign up for the newsletter, join a committee, or submit a code amendment.
Sign up for our Code Modernization newsletter and updates
Be part of the code development process!
Code experts are needed to serve on a Task Force Group or the Construction Code Modernization Committee.
Code Amendments
Review the proposed 2021 Codes and submit a Construction Code amendment proposal.
Select the +/- symbol to reveal or hide responses or download a copy of the frequently asked questions.
What is Houston's Code Modernization project?
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the development community, Houston Public Works intends to adopt the 2021 edition of construction codes as a base code with only local amendments that are more stringent than the base code.
For more information, review page 8 of the Public Participation Plan.
How can I participate in the 2021 code development process?
The Construction Code Modernization Project will host all updates and information on this site.
You can participate in the code development process by volunteering on a Task Force Group or the Construction Code Modernization Committee, or by submitting a code amendment proposal. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive project updates and information via email.
What is a Task Force Group and how do I sign up?
Four specialized Task Force Groups will be established with broad expertise in the four code groupings listed below that cover the proposed 2021 edition of construction codes. Members will be selected for their industry expertise in a code category. Those that participate in a task force will be on the front lines with the Houston Code Development Committee (made up of City staff) and meet up to 3 days per week while focusing on their area of expertise. There will be 15-25 participants per Task Force Group.
For more information, visit the Committee and Task Forces page or review pages 22-31 of the Public Participation Plan.
What is the Construction Code Modernization Committee and how do I sign up?
The Construction Code Modernization Committee (CCMC) is made up of 50-70 subject matter experts from City and industry including, but not limited to:
Building owners, developers, design professionals, contractors, flood control engineers, energy experts, and affordable housing advocates,
Members of the Houston Code Development Committee comprised of employees from multiple City departments including, but not limited to, Houston Public Works, Planning, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Mayor's Office of Recovery, Mayor's Offices of Resilience and Sustainability, Houston Emergency Center, General Services Administration, Police and Fire Departments, and Mayor's Development Office.
The Construction Code Modernization Committee will review and advise the Houston Code Development Committee on the technical merits of updated construction codes and any CCMC code change recommendations.
How do I know if I have been selected to serve on a Task Force Group or the Construction Code Modernization Committee?
You will receive a phone call or an email from the City to confirm your type of participation.
Our goal is to create inclusive, diverse groups with as many associations and organizations engaged with construction codes so that everyone can be at the table sharing their organization's insights into the codes as well as their specific interest. To ensure diversity, only one member per organization may serve on a task force or committee.
Anyone, whether on a committee or not, can submit a code amendment proposal.
When and where are the Task Force Group meetings?
If you are selected to serve on a Task Force Group, you will receive calendar notices of the meetings. The meetings are held both in-person and online. You can choose either in-person or online via MS Teams. We will additionally keep you informed about the meeting dates for specific codes and code subsections so that you can attend the meetings specific to your areas of expertise.
When and where are the Construction Code Modernization Committee meetings?
If you are selected to serve on the committee, you will receive calendar notices of the meetings. The meetings are held both in-person and online. You can choose either in-person or online via MS Teams. We will additionally keep you informed about the meeting dates for specific codes and code subsections so that you can attend the meetings specific to your areas of expertise.
How do I get access to the proposed 2021 Construction Codes?
The proposed 2021 Construction Codes are available on the Code Amendments page.
How do I submit a code amendment proposal?
You can submit a code amendment proposal through our online form. To learn more about the process, visit the Code Amendment page or review pages 18-20 of the Public Participation Plan.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can contact us at [email protected].
In this publication, you will find more about the history of the project, the overall CCM timeline, our goals and objectives for the CCM project, as well as specific tasks and action items. Additionally, there will be information on the code adoption process, examples of the various forms and information required for code recommendations, and corresponding guidelines that will assist everyone in understanding the CCM project's structure and outreach efforts.
The Construction Code Modernization project began in mid-June of 2022 and will take two years to successfully complete the six tasks. The Stakeholder kick-off meeting was held on Dec. 16, 2022. A copy of the presentation can be viewed and downloaded here.
Task Force and Committee meetings will begin in late December 2022 and will last through April 2023.
Click here to download the project timeline. Last updated Jan. 25, 2023
For more details about the project, review the Public Participation Plan.
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