Ohio Building Energy Codes

Code Level

Authority

Authorized by – Statute. The building codes in Ohio are authorized under Ohio Code 3781. The rules in Ohio Administrative Code 4101:1-13-01 require that non-residential buildings in the state be built to meet the standards of the IECC or ASHRAE 90.1, with specific reference to the applicable versions found in OAC 4101:1-35-01.  Specific energy efficiency provisions are found in Chapter 13, OAC 4101:1-13.  Residential buildings are covered under Ohio Administrative Code 4101:8-1 with version references found in OAC 4101:8-44.  Energy efficiency-specific provisions are found in Chapter 11, OAC 4101:8-11.

Oversight – Oversight for the building codes in Ohio is through the Board of Building Standards (BBS). The Residential Code Advisory Committee (RCAC), a subcommittee of the BBS, further oversees residential codes.

Code change process – Regulatory and Legislative. The BBS (or the RCAC, and then the BBS) recommends code changes, which are then approved or disapproved by the legislative Joint Committee on Rules and Regulations (JCARR).

Code change cycle – There is no set schedule for reviewing or updating the energy codes. The Building Code and Residential Code are changed separately.

Compliance

Enforcement – Code compliance in Ohio can be met through three methods for residential buildings: compliance with the IECC, compliance with sections 1101-1104 of the Residential Code, or through an alternative compliance option agreed to with the Ohio Home Builders Association found in section 1105 of the Residential Code. Codes are enforced by the jurisdiction having authority over the buildings. If no local jurisdiction has authority, then the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance reviews commercial building plans and construction. Residential buildings are enforced only at the local level.

Implementation/Compliance Studies – The Building Codes Assistance Project has analyzed the status of compliance in Ohio and made recommendations on reaching 90% code compliance.

Primary Contacts