HB 65: Construction Code Amendments - Utah

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 8 edits

MODERATE

The Substitute #1 version updates the State Construction Code from the 2021 editions to the 2024 editions of major model codes (IBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEB), adds staggered effective dates (most provisions July 1, 2026; structural/seismic provisions effective immediately upon governor's approval), increases snow load thresholds from 30 to 45 psf with revised formulas, updates the ASCE 7 reference from the 2016 to 2022 edition, changes the child care facility occupancy threshold from four to five or more children, and adds a new section (15A-6-102) that removes water heater regulation in certain areas.

SCOPE

All major model code editions updated from 2021 to 2024: International Building Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and International Existing Building Code.

New Utah Code section 15A-6-102 is added to the list of affected sections, and the highlighted provisions note that the bill 'removes the regulation of water heaters in certain areas.'

TIMELINE

Staggered effective dates added throughout the bill. Most sections take effect July 1, 2026, but Sections 15A-3-107 (snow/seismic loads) and 15A-3-108 (concrete/structural provisions) take effect immediately upon governor's approval.

REQUIREMENT

Snow load thresholds increased from 30 psf to 45 psf, with the reduction formula changed from S=(0.20+0.025(A-5)) minimum 0.20 to S=(0.15+0.016(A-5)) minimum 0.15, and the ASCE reference updated from ASCE 7-16 to ASCE 7-22.

Language throughout the bill changed from 'must' to 'shall' in numerous provisions (e.g., meter protection, potable water connections, RP assembly testing), making these requirements more formally enforceable under Utah code conventions.

DEFINITION

Child care facility definition changed from 'four or more children' to 'five or more children,' which affects occupancy classification thresholds throughout the IBC amendments (Sections 305.2, 308.5, 310.4).

ENFORCEMENT

Regulatory authority name changed from 'Utah Cross-Connection Control Commission' to 'Utah Division of Drinking Water' in multiple backflow prevention testing provisions across IPC and IRC sections.

TECHNICAL

IPC section renumbering: backflow testing sections moved from 312.10.x to 312.11.x; IBC section 1905.1.9 renumbered to 1904.3; IBC section 2306.1.5 renumbered to 2306.1.6; IBC section 2308.3.1 reference changed to 2308.7.1.

Substitute #4 → Enrolled · 9 edits · Mar 17, 2026

MAJOR

This bill updates Utah's State Construction Code to align with newer national building standards (2024 editions) and introduces specific safety requirements for assisted living facilities, child care centers, and educational buildings. It also refines snow load calculations for Utah and modifies plumbing and energy efficiency rules.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of the State Construction Code by incorporating newer editions of national building codes (IBC and IRC) and adds specific state amendments for assisted living, child care, and educational occupancies.

REQUIREMENT

Updates the adopted construction codes to the 2024 editions of the International Building Code and International Residential Code, replacing the 2021 editions.

Requires ballistic or security glazing on windows near entrances in K-12 educational occupancies to protect against active shooter threats.

Mandates specific fire safety measures for assisted living facilities, including controlled egress systems for dementia residents and separation requirements for ambulatory care facilities.

Establishes new definitions and occupancy classifications for blended assisted living facilities and specific types of child care facilities.

Updates ground snow load values for specific Utah cities and modifies how snow loads are calculated for seismic design.

Requires carbon monoxide detection systems in Group E (child care) occupancies with automatic transmission of alarms to staffed locations.

Changes plumbing flow rate limits for lavatories and shower heads and updates backflow prevention assembly installation criteria.

Adds requirements for energy storage system (ESS) signage to identify battery chemistry on the exterior of dwellings.

Updates energy efficiency standards for residential buildings, including new R-values and U-factors for various climate zones.

Substitute #3 → Substitute #4 · 9 edits

MAJOR

This bill updates Utah's State Construction Code to adopt newer editions of national building standards (2024 IBC and 2024 IRC) and introduces significant safety and energy efficiency requirements. Key changes include stricter rules for assisted living facilities regarding resident containment, enhanced fire and carbon monoxide detection for child care centers, and new mandates for ballistic or security glazing in K-12 schools. The bill also clarifies regulations for nail salons, water heater safety, and snow load calculations for high-elevation structures.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of the construction code by incorporating updated national codes and adding specific Utah state amendments that apply statewide, including new requirements for energy storage systems and accessory dwelling units.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the adopted construction codes from the 2021 editions to the 2024 International Building Code and 2024 International Residential Code.

Mandated ballistic or security glazing for windows near entrances in K-12 educational occupancies to protect against active shooter scenarios.

Required carbon monoxide detection systems and automatic shutdown capabilities in Group E child care occupancies.

Established specific occupancy classifications and egress rules for assisted living facilities, distinguishing between Type I (smaller) and Type II (larger) facilities.

Introduced new energy efficiency standards for residential buildings, including specific R-value requirements and air leakage testing protocols.

Added specific ventilation and source capture requirements for nail salons to protect technicians from chemical fumes.

Adjusted snow load design standards for structures located at elevations above 5,000 feet in Utah.

Removed specific regulation of water heaters in certain areas, likely shifting oversight to other codes or standards.

DEFINITION

Added definitions for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to clarify regulatory applicability.

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's building and energy codes (IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, and IECC) to update technical standards for construction, safety, and energy efficiency. Key changes include adding new concrete foundation design rules for low-rise buildings, requiring ballistic or security glazing in K-12 schools, updating snow load tables for Utah, and revising energy efficiency requirements for insulation and windows. The bill also clarifies backflow prevention testing, updates nail salon ventilation standards, and modifies compliance paths for green building certifications.

Scope change

The bill applies statewide to all residential and commercial construction projects governed by the referenced building codes, with specific new requirements targeting educational facilities and nail salons.

REQUIREMENT

Added new empirical concrete foundation design standards for low-rise wood and steel frame buildings to reduce construction costs while maintaining safety.

Mandated ballistic glass or security glazing for exterior windows near entrances and classroom areas in K-12 schools to address active shooter safety.

Revised energy efficiency standards, including stricter U-factor limits for windows and updated R-value requirements for insulation in various climate zones.

Established new ventilation and air filtration requirements for nail salons to protect workers from chemical exposure.

Added requirements for recording nonpotable water systems on property deeds and specifying testing frequencies for backflow assemblies.

Adjusted energy code compliance paths to allow for specific software tools and performance-based demonstrations rather than solely prescriptive methods.

TECHNICAL

Updated ground snow load values and exposure categories in the International Residential Code to reflect current Utah climate data.

DEFINITION

Updated definitions for potable water, cross-connections, and backflow preventers to align with state statutes and improve clarity.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's construction codes to align with newer national standards (2024 editions) and introduces specific safety and energy efficiency requirements. Key changes include stricter air quality rules for nail salons, expanded carbon monoxide detection mandates for schools and day care centers, and revised energy performance thresholds for residential buildings. The bill also clarifies regulations for assisted living facilities and child care centers to improve safety and occupancy classifications.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of carbon monoxide detection requirements to include specific areas in Group E occupancies (like schools and day cares) and clarifies the applicability of boiler regulations to private residences and small apartment buildings.

REQUIREMENT

Nail salons must now install source capture systems with specific filtration (MERV 8 and activated carbon) or exhaust rates to reduce chemical exposure.

Carbon monoxide detectors are now required in specific areas of Group E occupancies (schools/day cares) and must automatically shut down gas equipment upon detection.

Energy efficiency requirements for residential buildings were adjusted, including updated U-factors, R-values, and allowances for alternative compliance methods like RESCheck software.

Boiler and pressure vessel regulations were clarified to confirm that private residences and apartment houses with fewer than five units are exempt from state labor commission regulation.

New requirements mandate that unvented attic assemblies in certain climate zones must include whole-house mechanical ventilation and achieve specific blower door test results.

DEFINITION

Definitions for assisted living facilities and child care centers were updated to clarify occupancy limits, facility types, and classification groups.

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