What building code does Birmingham, AL use for houses?
The 2021 IRC, adopted with local changes in the Technical Code of the City of Birmingham, 2024. Electrical work follows the 2020 National Electrical Code.
The Technical Code of the City of Birmingham, 2024 took effect October 1, 2024, according to the city's building codes page. It applies the 2021 International Residential Code to detached one- and two-family homes and townhouses up to three stories above grade with a separate means of egress, and to their accessory structures (Article I, Part 1).
The same ordinance adopts the 2021 editions of the International Building, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Fire, Energy Conservation, Existing Building and Property Maintenance codes, and the 2020 National Electrical Code. References in the IRC to the ICC Electrical Code don't apply to residential construction.
Birmingham's changes to the IRC itself (Article III) are short. It deletes Chapter 11, Energy Efficiency, and says references to it don't apply. It deletes Section R313, the automatic fire sprinkler requirement, without substitution. It also replaces the IRC's Chapter 1 with its own administration chapter, which is where the city's permit rules, exemptions, fees and licensing requirements live. Reroofing must comply with IRC Section R908 (Section 101.6.1).
Alabama's own residential code, adopted by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, is based on the 2015 IRC with state amendments, effective October 1, 2016 (Ala. Admin. Code r. 305-2-4-.09). Birmingham's adoption is newer, so a code answer for another Alabama city may not carry over.
Codes get amended. Confirm the edition and any newer local changes with the city's permit office before you design or bid.
Related answers
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater? — IRC §R105.1
- Can I replace my own electrical outlet? — IRC §R105.2
- Do I need a permit to build a fence? — IRC §R105.2
- Do I need a permit to replace my roof? — IRC §R105.1
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Ask Donnie →General information based on the International Residential Code (a model code). This is AI assistance to verify — not legal advice. Confirm the adopted edition and any local amendments with your local building department (AHJ) and a licensed professional before you build.