Building Code Information
Building codes are adopted to provide a reasonable level of safety, and protection of public health, general welfare and property.
They are updated and published on a three-year cycle to reflect the latest standards of life-safety, public health and building technology. Building codes are adopted and amended by City Council to account for local conditions and practices.
2021 City Amendments
Compliance Tools
Residential
Commercial/Multifamily
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
Related Resources
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
IRCWind 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
Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026