Georgia's New Building Codes Start January 1, 2027: What to Know

Georgia's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has adopted new editions of several state minimum codes. They take effect on January 1, 2027. If your project will be permitted near that date, ask your permit office which edition applies before plans are finished.

Which codes change

• 2024 International Residential Code with Georgia amendments.
• 2024 International Building Code with Georgia amendments.
• 2024 International Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes with Georgia amendments.
• 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with Georgia amendments.
• 2024 International Fire Code as adopted by the Safety Fire Commissioner.
• 2026 Georgia amendments to the 2023 National Electrical Code.

The energy code is not on that list

DCA lists the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with Georgia supplements and amendments as the state's energy code. The U.S. Department of Energy reports it has been in effect since January 1, 2020. Georgia counties fall in three humid climate zones: 2A on the coast and in the south, such as Chatham and Lowndes; 3A across most of the state, including Fulton, Richmond, Muscogee, Bibb and Clarke; and 4A in parts of north Georgia, such as Rabun, Towns and Whitfield. Your zone shapes insulation and window choices.

State codes apply everywhere, but enforcement is local

Georgia's mandatory codes apply to all construction, whether or not a local government enforces them. Each city or county chooses which mandatory codes it enforces and sets its own procedures. Local governments may require permits and set permit fees.

A city or county may add local amendments, but they cannot be less strict than the state code. They must be based on local climate, geology, topography or public safety. The local government sends a proposed amendment to DCA 60 days before adoption. DCA makes a recommendation; it does not approve or reject the amendment.

What to do if you are planning a project

1. Find the permit office for your address.
2. Ask which code editions it will apply to your permit, and whether it has local amendments.
3. Make sure your plans are drawn to those editions.
4. Plan for the permits and inspections that office requires. What needs a permit varies by jurisdiction.