Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.212
INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.212. INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE. (a) To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2012, is adopted as a municipal residential building code in this state.(b) The International Residential Code applies to all construction, alteration, remodeling, enlargement, and repair of residential structures in a municipality.(c) Subject to Subsection (e), a municipality may establish procedures:(1) to adopt local amendments to the International Residential Code that may add, modify, or remove requirements set by the code; and(2) for the administration and enforcement of the International Residential Code.(d) A municipality may review and consider amendments made by the International Code Council to the International Residential Code after May 1, 2012.(e) A municipality may not adopt a local amendment under Subsection (c) unless the municipality:(1) holds a public hearing on the local amendment before adopting the local amendment; and(2) adopts the local amendment by ordinance. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 120, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002.Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 315 (H.B. 738), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2022.
Section 214.212 establishes the International Residential Code (IRC), as it stood on May 1, 2012, as the baseline building standard for residential construction across Texas municipalities. The rule covers a broad range of work on residential structures, including new construction, alterations, remodeling, enlargements, and repairs. Municipalities retain the ability to tailor the code to local needs, but only through a transparent public process that results in a formally adopted ordinance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 214.212, any residential construction, renovation, or repair project in a Texas municipality must meet the standards set by the IRC as adopted by state law. Compliant operators typically verify whether their municipality has enacted local amendments to the IRC before beginning work, since those amendments can add, modify, or remove baseline requirements. Engaging a licensed contractor familiar with both the state baseline and any applicable local ordinances is a common practice for staying in compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 214.212 means that residential structures where tenants live are subject to a statewide minimum building code, giving tenants a baseline expectation of structural and safety standards. If a tenant believes a rental unit has construction or maintenance deficiencies that fall below code, they may raise those concerns with the local municipal building or code enforcement office, which is responsible for administering the IRC under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how local amendments to § 214.212 may affect the standards that apply in their specific municipality.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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