2012 Editions of Commercial Building Codes Become Effective August 4

NASHVILLE – The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennessee communities that a new version of commercial building codes will be adopted and become effective August 4, 2016.

The SFMO will adopt the 2012 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) published by the International Code Council (ICC), and for certain buildings, the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association. The codes provide the required minimum standards for fire prevention, fire protection and building construction safety in the state of Tennessee.

“New codes are periodically adopted to increase public safety,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “As many areas of Tennessee are experiencing record growth and construction, we want to ensure new commercial buildings reflect the constant evolution of safety standards.”

An added rule provision allows building plans submitted to the State Fire Marshal’s Office within 120 days after the effective date of newly adopted codes to be reviewed under the previous code editions. However, a written request must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal for this.

For a full listing of the adopted building codes in Tennessee, visit https://www.tn.gov{filedir_76}Fire_RulemakingHearing_05-03-16.pdf.

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