Building Codes

The Texas statutes, administrative rules, and local ordinances occasionally adopt, incorporate, or refer to technical codes published by independent organizations. These codes describe scientific and safety standards for structures and discuss specifications for construction practices, electrical systems, plumbing fixtures, fire safety, and many other topics.

Even though they are incorporated as law, building codes are not reprinted within the statutes or the local ordinances themselves. Instead, they are “adopted by reference” — this means that the law will name the code and its publisher, but you must access the code itself elsewhere.

Where can you access and read these codes? We link to online editions on the publisher's website whenever possible. In addition, some local governments publish the codes and any local amendments on their website. Others may refer you to the city clerk's office, a code enforcement or planning department, or to a local public library to view the code. You may not always find the code online due to copyright restrictions from the publisher.

Disclaimer: The library's list of adopted codes is not exhaustive. We include only the adoptions that the library has found relevant as building codes. State laws quoted on this page are not the official versions of the law. See the Texas Constitution and Statutes website.