Relating to building codes and standards applicable in the unincorporated areas of a county; authorizing a fee.

HB 225 requires new residential and commercial construction in unincorporated county areas to follow the 2018 International Residential Code (for homes) and International Building Code (for businesses). It allows counties to adopt newer building codes through their commissioners court, rather than being limited to the 2018 standards. The bill also authorizes counties to collect a fee related to enforcing these building code requirements. This affects homeowners, developers, and contractors building new structures outside city limits in participating counties. The law updates existing code standards but does not change current requirements for existing buildings.