Texas mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas & energy codes
Texas has no single statewide building code. State licensing boards set minimum codes for licensed trades (TDLR for HVAC/refrigeration, TSBPE for plumbing), and cities adopt and amend their own codes. Statewide energy code is set by SECO.
Quick answer: Texas currently uses the 2024 IMC + UMC for mechanical work and the 2018 UPC + IPC for plumbing (see sources and dates below). A2L status: Allowed via 2024 IMC/UMC (TDLR)
Adopted codes
Mechanical
2024
IMC + UMC
- Adopted as
- 16 TAC §75.110 (TDLR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration)
- Effective
- 2026-09-01
- Source
- TDLR – Commission Adopts Rules (Aug 31, 2026)
- Last checked
- 2026-10-27 verified
- Notes
- Updates TDLR-referenced codes from 2021 to 2024 editions of the IRC, IMC, IFGC and UMC. Applies to licensed ACR contractor work; cities may adopt their own codes.
Plumbing
2018
UPC + IPC
- Adopted as
- 22 TAC §367.2 (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)
- Effective
- 2018-08-29
- Source
- 22 TAC §367.2 (Texas Administrative Code, via LII)
- Last checked
- 2026-10-29 verified
- Notes
- The 2018 UPC/IPC (with the 2018 IFGC and IRC) were adopted at 43 TexReg 5531, effective Aug 29, 2018. Later amendments in 2021 and 2023 kept the 2018 editions. TSBPE has PROPOSED moving to the 2021 UPC/IPC (Texas Register, Aug 14, 2026).
Fuel Gas
2024
IFGC
- Adopted as
- 16 TAC §75.110 (TDLR)
- Effective
- 2026-09-01
- Source
- TDLR – Commission Adopts Rules (Aug 31, 2026)
- Last checked
- 2026-10-27 verified
- Notes
- For ACR licensing. The plumbing board's rule incorporates the 2018 IFGC via the 2018 IPC (2021 proposed).
Energy
Residential: 2015 IECC; Commercial: 2015 IECC & ASHRAE 90.1-2013
IECC / ASHRAE 90.1
- Adopted as
- Texas state energy code (SECO)
- Effective
- Res 2016-09-01; Com 2016-11-01
- Source
- U.S. DOE Building Energy Codes Program – Texas
- Last checked
- 2026-10-27 verified
A2L refrigerants in Texas
TDLR's 2024 IMC/UMC adoption (effective Sept 1, 2026) brings in the 2024 model-code A2L provisions. Work permitted or started before Sept 1, 2026 may be finished under the 2021 editions. Local adoptions vary by city.
Source: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/news/rulemaking/2026/08/31/commission-adopts-rules-11/ · Last checked 2026-10-27 verified