Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.217
NOTICE REGARDING MODEL CODE ADOPTION OR AMENDMENT IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.217. NOTICE REGARDING MODEL CODE ADOPTION OR AMENDMENT IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. (a) In this section, "national model code" means a publication that is developed, promulgated, and periodically updated at a national level by organizations consisting of industry and government fire and building safety officials through a legislative or consensus process and that is intended for consideration by units of government as local law. National model codes include the International Residential Code, the National Electrical Code, and the International Building Code.(b) This section applies only to a municipality with a population of more than 100,000.(c) On or before the 21st day before the date the governing body of a municipality takes action to consider, review, and recommend the adoption of or amendment to a national model code governing the construction, renovation, use, or maintenance of buildings and building systems in the municipality, the governing body shall publish notice of the proposed action conspicuously on the municipality's Internet website.(d) The governing body of the municipality shall make a reasonable effort to encourage public comment from persons affected by the proposed adoption of or amendment to a national model code under this section.(e) On the written request from five or more persons or if required by Section 214.212(e) or 214.216(f), the governing body of the municipality shall hold a public hearing open to public comment on the proposed adoption of or amendment to a national model code under this section. The hearing must be held on or before the 14th day before the date the governing body adopts the ordinance that adopts or amends a national model code under this section.(f) If the governing body of a municipality has established an advisory board or substantially similar entity for the purpose of obtaining public comment on the proposed adoption of or amendment to a national model code, this section does not apply. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 130 (S.B. 820), Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 2009.Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 315 (H.B. 738), Sec. 3, eff. January 1, 2022.
Section 214.217 of the Texas Local Government Code requires municipalities with populations over 100,000 to follow a structured public-notice process before adopting or amending a national model building or construction code, such as the International Residential Code or National Electrical Code. At least 21 days before a governing body considers such a change, it must post conspicuous notice on the city's official website. If five or more people request it—or if other statutory triggers apply—a public hearing must be held no later than 14 days before the ordinance is formally adopted. Municipalities that already have an advisory board dedicated to gathering public input on code changes are exempt from these requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in Texas cities with populations exceeding 100,000 have a stake in the process governed by Sec. 214.217, because adoptions or amendments to national model codes directly affect construction standards, renovation requirements, and building maintenance obligations. Compliant municipalities post advance notice on their websites at least 21 days before any governing-body review, giving affected parties a window to monitor proposed changes. Operators who track their city's website and submit written requests alongside four or more other affected persons can trigger a mandatory public hearing, ensuring an additional opportunity for industry input before any new code takes effect.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Renters in Texas cities covered by Sec. 214.217—those with populations above 100,000—benefit from the transparency and participation rights this provision creates, since national model code changes can affect the safety and habitability standards of residential buildings. The law requires the city to post notice of proposed code adoptions or amendments at least 21 days in advance, and tenants who join with four or more other affected persons in a written request can compel the city to hold a public hearing at least 14 days before any vote. Tenants who want to understand how a proposed code change might affect their housing can consult local tenant-rights organizations or review their municipality's website for posted notices under this section.
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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