Building codes are adopted to provide a reasonable level of safety, and protection of public health, general welfare and property.

They are published on a three year cycle to reflect the latest standards of life-safety and construction technology. The amendments to the building codes are adopted by City Council to modify the codes to conform to the particular physical and political conditions of our city.

 

2021 City Amendments

The following codes were adopted Sep. 20, 2022 and will become effective Jan. 1, 2023:

2021 International Building Code (IBC) Amendments (PDF) 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Amendments (PDF) 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) (PDF) 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) Amendments (PDF) 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) Amendments (PDF) 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) Amendments (PDF) 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) Amendments (PDF) 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Amendments (PDF)

The following codes were adopted Dec. 6, 2022 and will become effective as follows:

2021 International Residential Code (IRC) Amendments (PDF) - Effective Jan. 7, 2023 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Amendments (PDF) - Effective Jan. 7, 2023 2021 International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Amendments (PDF) - Effective July 1, 2023 (mandatory)

Compliance Tools

Residential

2021 IRC Building Code Plan Review Checklist (PDF) 2021 Residential Energy Compliance Certificate (PDF) 2021 Residential Energy Efficiency Certificate Sticker (PDF) 2021 Residential Mechanical Ventilation Options (PDF) 2021 Residential Hot Water Distribution Options (PDF) 2021 Residential Solar Ready Requirements (PDF)

Commercial/Multifamily

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

2021 IECC Commercial Notes on Plans (PDF) 2021 IECC Tenant Improvement (TI) Plan Review Checklist (PDF) 2021 IECC Interior Lighting Controls Checklist (PDF) 2021 IECC Interior Lighting Controls Testing Certificate (PDF) 2021 IECC Building Envelope Performance Verification Certificate (PDF) 2021 IECC Mechanical Systems Commissioning Certificate (PDF) 2021 IECC On-Site Renewable Energy System Deferred Submittal Form (PDF)

International Green Construction Code (IgCC)

2021 IgCC Development Review (DR) Site Checklist (PDF) 2021 IgCC Building Plan Review Checklist (PDF) 2021 IgCC Notes on Plans (PDF) 2021 IgCC Tenant Improvement (TI) Plan Review Checklist (PDF) 2021 IgCC Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan (PDF) 2021 IgCC Construction and Demolition Waste Resources (PDF) 2021 IgCC Heat Island Mitigation Checklist (PDF) 2021 IgCC Landscape Irrigation Checklist (PDF) 2021 IgCC Product Emissions Checklist (PDF) 2021 IgCC Reduced Impact Materials Checklist (PDF)

Allowable Soil Bearing Pressure

In general, for commercial construction projects, the City of Scottsdale requires a soils report. (See Sec. 1803 of the 2021 International Building Code.) However, there may be instances where the extent of a project is small and the requirement for a soils report is not pressed. In these instances, we would allow no less than the code minimum of Table 1806.2, Class 4 soil material. For this type of soil, we revise the Allowable Foundation Pressure from the stated 2,000 to a value of 1,500 psf max. Based on the extent of the project, we would reserve the right to request a report as stated in the Code section noted above.

Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria

Design Wind Speed

2021 IBC & IRC
  • Occupancy Category I = 95 MPH
  • Occupancy Category II = 105 MPH
  • Occupancy Category III = 110 MPH
  • Occupancy Category IV = 115 MPH

Occupancy Category determined by 2021 IBC Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures Table 1604.5

IRC

Wind Exposure:

B or C as defined in COS Interpretations & Applications of Building Codes & Regulations No.15-1

Seismic Design:

Category 'B' for SFR, For other occupancies, Engineer to Calculate
Snow Load = None
Winter Design Temp = 37F
Summer Design Temp = 105F

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