International Residential Code

The International Residential Code (IRC) is developed and published by the International Code Council (ICC) as part of its family of International Codes (I-Codes). It applies to the construction of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane, using prescriptive provisions founded on broad-based principles that allow new materials and building designs. The IRC consolidates all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy conservation, and electrical requirements for these residential structures into a single coordinated code. As a model code, it is widely adopted by states and local jurisdictions across the United States as the basis for residential construction regulation and is updated on a multi-year cycle (e.g., 2018, 2021, 2024 editions).