Tennessee Building Codes

The provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition and the IECC, 2018 edition for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes became effective July 16, 2020.

The provisions of the IECC, 2006 edition, shall apply to the following occupancy classifications:

1. Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1;
2. Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2;
3. Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1; and,
4. Low-hazard storage, Group S-2;

The 2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code shall apply to state buildings, educational occupancies and any other occupancy requiring an inspection by the state fire marshal for initial licensure, except:

1. For classrooms in existing and new educational occupancies, as defined by Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-02-03-.01(d), 15.2.2.2.4 excluding (1): Classroom Door Locking to Prevent Unwanted Entry, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2018 edition, published by the NFPA; or
2. For classrooms in existing and new colleges and university instructional buildings, 39.2.2.2.2 excluding (1): Classroom Door Locking to Prevent Unwanted Entry, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2018 edition, published by the NFPA.

INCORPORATED UPDATES Chapter 0780-02-02
Codes and Standards (Apr 2024)
effective April 1, 2024
Original document

Rules of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Boiler, Elevator and Amusement Device Inspection
Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board
effective July 18, 2021
Original document

Chapter 0780-02-23
One and Two Family Dwellings and Townhouses
IECC and IRC 2018
effective July 16, 2020
Original document

Adoption of the FGI Guidelines
effective January 1, 2019
Original document

Architectural and Engineering Guidelines for
Submission, Approval and Inspection of Occupancies
Licensed by the Department of Health
effective January 1, 2019
Original document

Chapter 0780-02-01
Electrical Installations
NFPA 70, 2017
effective October 1, 2018
Original document

Chapter 0780-02-23
One and Two Family Dwellings and Townhouses
IECC 2009
effective February 2, 2017
Original document

Chapter 0780-02-02
Codes and Standards
effective August 4, 2016
Original document

Tennessee Agencies

Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance oversees the enforcement of building codes throughout the state to ensure consistency and compliance with safety standards.

While local governments may adopt their own building codes, they must still adhere to the minimum requirements established by state regulations and certify to the state fire marshal that they are adequately enforcing these codes.

Department of Commerce & Insurance
Fire Prevention / State Fire Marshal's Office
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance is responsible for overseeing and enforcing building codes throughout the state. These codes establish minimum requirements for the construction and maintenance of buildings to ensure safety, health, and welfare of the public. The department periodically updates and revises the building codes to reflect advancements in construction technology and to address emerging safety concerns. Codes include:

Building Residential Existing Building Fire Property Maintenance Plumbing Mechanical Fuel Gas Life Safety Energy Electrical

Health Facilities Commission
Website
The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (THFC) oversees the construction and design of healthcare facilities in Tennessee. Codes include:

Health Care Facilities

Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Elevator & Amusement Device Safety Board
The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development's Elevator & Amusement Device Safety Board regulates elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, aerial passenger tramways, and amusement devices to ensure public safety. Codes include: