By Irene Butler
In the last month, New York state and Wisconsin have adopted changes to their state building codes. IIBEC recently joined the Coalition for Current Safety Codes, which is aimed at advancing safety by advocating for the adoption and successful implementation of current building, sustainability, electrical, and life safety codes. The coalition was formed by the International Code Council and National Fire Protection Association.
The state of New York continued to move toward electrification in its energy conservation construction code, with the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council adopting the all-electric building code on July 25. This makes New York the first state in the nation to ban the use of gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings.
Under the new requirements, most newly constructed buildings seven stories or fewer must use electric systems for heating, hot water, and cooking. The rule also applies to commercial and industrial buildings with 100,000 square feet or less of conditioned space starting on January 1, 2026. By 2029, taller buildings and larger commercial properties will also fall under the all-electric mandate.
The law includes targeted exemptions for certain building types and industries where electrification is not yet feasible, such as critical infrastructure, hospitals and medical facilities, agricultural buildings, and other specialized facilities. Additional exceptions allow flexibility for new laboratories, crematoriums, and other specialty facilities where certain conditions exist, or for owners who demonstrate that the electric grid cannot yet support their full energy demand. Additionally, existing buildings will not be impacted by these new requirements, even if they are being repaired or renovated.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin is set to retire its 2015 commercial building codes and transition to the 2021 International Code Council’s model I-codes.
Under the new regulations, all commercial building plans submitted to the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) must comply with the updated code by October 1, 2025. The requirements apply to commercial buildings, including multifamily and residential structures.
The adoption incorporates both the 2021 International Building Code and the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, among others, introducing updated standards for safety, energy efficiency, and performance.
To assist stakeholders in navigating the changes, DSPS will host two informational webinars covering key code updates and offering opportunities for questions.
