When buying or building a steel building kit — whether for a shop, home, barn, or business — one of the most important steps is building code compliance. Codes ensure your structure is safe, insurable, and built to last in your specific environment.
Below, you’ll find a state-by-state reference of building codes across the U.S. This guide covers the baseline code each state uses, plus special notes for steel building owners (wind, snow, seismic, or energy concerns).
Most states adopt the International Building Code (IBC) + related codes (IRC/IECC/IFC) on a 3-year cycle, then add state/local amendments.
Steel must-haves: correct design loads (wind/snow/seismic), engineer’s stamp for your state, foundation/anchorage per soils and frost depth, and energy code compliance if conditioned.
Tip: Always confirm codes locally. State-level building codes provide the foundation, but local amendments can be stricter.
| State | Official Building Code Portal | Typical Base Code | Steel Building Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Energy & Building Codes (ADECA) | IBC/IRC 2015 (local amendments) | Coastal hurricane wind; floodplain along Gulf/rivers. |
| Alaska | Alaska Building Codes | IBC/IRC 2012 (home-rule cities may differ) | High snow + seismic; cold-climate insulation/condensation control. |
| Arizona | Arizona State Building Codes | IBC/IRC 2018 (local adoption) | IECC for conditioned space; roof reflectance; anchorage for wind/dust. |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Building & Construction (State) | IBC/IRC 2012 | Tornado alley; county wind amendments; verify floodplain. |
| California | California Building Standards Commission | California Building Code (IBC-based) | Strict seismic; Title 24 energy; WUI fire provisions in many zones. |
| Colorado | Colorado Local Code Adoption Guidance (DOLA) | Local choice (many on IBC/IRC 2018–2021) | Mountain snow loads; Front Range wind; wildfire & expansive soils. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut State Building Code | CT State Code (IBC 2021-based) | Coastal windborne debris; strict energy; inland snow. |
| Delaware | Delaware Division of Facilities Management – Building Code | IBC/IRC 2018 | Coastal wind & flood; elevation certs may be required. |
| Florida | Florida Building Commission | Florida Building Code (IBC-based) | HVHZ wind, impact-rated; corrosion protection; floodplain admin. |
| Georgia | Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes | IBC/IRC 2018 (GA amendments) | Coastal wind; tornado inland; energy code for conditioned space. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii State Building Code Council | IBC/IRC 2018 (county adoption) | High wind; salt-air corrosion; flood/tsunami zones. |
| Idaho | Idaho Division of Building Safety | IBC/IRC 2018 | Snow increases with elevation; some seismic zones. |
| Illinois | Illinois Capital Development Board – Codes (Chicago has its own code) | IBC/IRC 2018/2021 (varies); Chicago separate | Stricter urban energy/fire; variable snow & wind. |
| Indiana | Indiana DHS – Codes & Standards | IBC/IRC 2014 (state-amended) | Tornado/wind; frost depth; energy moderate. |
| Iowa | Iowa Building Code Bureau | Local adoption (often IBC/IRC 2015–2021) | Snow & wind vary; floodplain along rivers. |
| Kansas | Kansas Office of State Fire Marshal – Codes | Local adoption (IBC/IRC 2012–2018) | Tornado Alley—wind speeds and anchorage crucial. |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Dept. of Housing, Buildings & Construction | IBC/IRC 2015 | Storm/wind; verify karst soils; energy per use. |
| Louisiana | Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council | IBC/IRC 2015 (state-amended) | Hurricane wind; floodplain BFEs; corrosion control. |
| Maine | Maine Uniform Building & Energy Code (MUBEC) | IBC/IRC 2015 (MUBEC) | High snow; cold-climate condensation/vapor control. |
| Maryland | Maryland Building Codes | IBC/IRC 2018 | Coastal wind/flood; urban plan review stricter; energy enforced. |
| Massachusetts | MA Board of Building Regulations & Standards | MA State Code (IBC/IRC 2015–2021-based) | Snow; coastal wind; energy; Boston separate rigor. |
| Michigan | Michigan Building Codes (LARA) | MBC (IBC-based 2015/2021) | Heavy snow north; insulation & condensation control for heated shops. |
| Minnesota | Minnesota State Building Code | IBC/IRC 2015/2020 (state code) | Very high snow; strict energy; air/vapor control critical. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Local Government/Code Info | IBC/IRC 2015 | Hurricane/tornado wind; coastal floodplain. |
| Missouri | Missouri State Fire Marshal – Codes | Local adoption (IBC/IRC 2015–2021) | Tornado; New Madrid seismic (SE MO); urban vs. rural differences. |
| Montana | Montana Building Codes Program | IBC/IRC 2021 | Significant snow; deep frost; plains wind. |
| Nebraska | Nebraska State Building Code | IBC/IRC 2018 | Tornado/wind; floodplain along major rivers. |
| Nevada | Nevada Codes (local adoption overview) | IBC/IRC 2018–2021 (local) | Seismic (Reno/Las Vegas); desert energy; wind/dust loads. |
| New Hampshire | NH State Building Code Review Board | IBC/IRC 2015/2018 | High snow; energy for heated spaces. |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Uniform Construction Code | IBC/IRC 2018 (state-amended) | Coastal wind/flood; DEP/Pinelands overlays in some areas. |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Construction Industries Division – Codes | IBC/IRC 2015 | Seismic pockets; high-sun energy/IECC considerations. |
| New York | New York State Codes (NYC has its own) | NYS Code (IBC 2018-based) | Upstate snow; statewide energy; NYC separate code/permitting. |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Building Codes | NC Code (IBC/IRC 2018-based) | Coastal hurricane winds; floodplain on Outer Banks. |
| North Dakota | North Dakota State Building Code | IBC/IRC 2018 | Very high snow; plains wind; cold-climate detailing. |
| Ohio | Ohio Board of Building Standards | Ohio Building Code (IBC-based) | Tornado/wind; energy enforced statewide. |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Fire Marshal – Codes | Local adoption (IBC/IRC 2015–2018) | Tornado Alley; uplift and anchorage checks are critical. |
| Oregon | Oregon Building Codes Division – Adopted Codes | OSSC/ORSC (IBC-based 2019/2022) | Coastal/Cascadia seismic; rigorous energy for conditioned buildings. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code | IBC/IRC 2015/2018 cycle | Snow varies; river-valley floodplain permits common. |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island State Building Code | IBC/IRC 2015/2018 | Coastal wind/flood; energy in heated shops. |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Building Codes Council | IBC/IRC 2018/2021 | Hurricane wind (Lowcountry/Grand Strand); flood maps matter. |
| South Dakota | South Dakota – Building/Code Info | Local adoption (IBC/IRC 2015–2021) | Black Hills snow; prairie wind exposure. |
| Tennessee | Tennessee State Fire Marshal – Building Codes | IBC/IRC 2012/2018 (amended) | Tornado/wind; some seismic in western TN (New Madrid). |
| Texas | Texas Code & IECC Resources (TDLR) | Local adoption (IBC/IRC 2015–2021) | Coastal hurricane wind; inland tornado; expansive clays; floodplain. |
| Utah | Utah State Building Codes | IBC/IRC 2021 | Seismic along Wasatch; mountain snow; IECC enforced. |
| Vermont | Vermont Division of Fire Safety – Building Code | IBC/IRC 2015/2018 | High snow; energy strict for heated buildings. |
| Virginia | Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code | IBC/IRC 2015/2018-based (USBC) | Tidewater wind/flood; Blue Ridge wind/snow. |
| Washington | Washington State Building Code Council | IBC/IRC 2018/2021 | Puget Sound seismic; strict energy; Cascades snow. |
| West Virginia | West Virginia State Fire Marshal – Codes | IBC/IRC 2015/2018 | Elevation-driven wind/snow; floodplain along rivers. |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin DSPS – Building Codes | WI code (IBC/IRC 2015-based) | Snow + cold-climate energy; vapor/condensation control in steel envelopes. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming State Fire Marshal – Building Codes | IBC/IRC 2018/2021 (local adoption) | High snow & wind; significant frost depth. |
Understanding Building Codes by State
If you’re researching building codes by state, you’ll quickly find that every jurisdiction handles them differently. Most states follow the International Building Code (IBC) and update it every three years, but many add their own amendments. For anyone planning a steel building, barndominium, garage, or shed, it’s critical to understand that the rules in your state may not match your neighbor’s. What passes in Texas might not fly in Florida, and what works in Kansas may need major changes in Colorado’s mountains.
Steel Building Codes and Permitting
When it comes to steel building codes, states usually focus on the same structural concerns: wind loads, snow loads, seismic design, and energy efficiency. Because steel buildings are engineered systems, they must come with state-stamped engineering drawings proving they meet those loads. Whether you’re putting up a small steel garage, a backyard shed, or a full-scale commercial building, code compliance ensures the structure is safe, insurable, and legally permitted.
Barndominium Building Codes
Interest in barndominiums (barndos) has exploded, but many people overlook the barndominium building codes in their state or county. Barndos are often classified as residential structures, meaning you must follow both residential building codes and the energy standards required for living space. Insulation R-values, foundation anchoring, window and door performance, and even fire separation requirements can all impact your design. Checking your state’s barndominium code requirements early can prevent costly redesigns.
Garage and Shed Building Codes
Even small projects like garages and sheds may require permits and compliance with local garage building codes or shed building codes. Depending on your state and county, you may need to meet snow load requirements for a detached steel garage in Minnesota, or hurricane uplift codes for a simple shed in coastal Florida. These smaller structures are often subject to zoning setbacks, height limits, and foundation rules in addition to state building codes.
Why Building Codes Matter for Every Structure
Whether you’re building a barndominium in Texas, a steel workshop in Michigan, or a farm storage shed in Nebraska, your state’s building codes are designed to protect your investment and the people who use it. A code-compliant steel building not only withstands environmental challenges like snowstorms, tornadoes, and earthquakes but also gives you peace of mind knowing your structure will pass inspections, qualify for insurance, and retain resale value.