The Texas statutes, administrative rules, and local ordinances occasionally adopt, incorporate, or refer to technical codes published by independent organizations. These codes describe scientific and safety standards for structures and discuss specifications for fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing fixtures, construction practices, and many other topics. Below you will find links to some of the codes that have been adopted in the Texas statutes and in the Texas Administrative Code. Keep in mind that local governments (such as a municipality or a county) are generally permitted to adopt updated editions of these codes and to make some amendments to the codes.

Codes are not reprinted within the statutes or the local ordinances themselves. They are "adopted by reference" or "incorporated by reference" and are usually available to review at the city clerk's office and at some public libraries. Please contact your local public library or your city/county officials for assistance accessing codes not available online.

For more information about the practice of "adopting by reference" or "incorporating by reference," see this explanation of "incorporation by reference" from the National Archives. Though the information on that page refers to the practice as used by the federal government, it serves as a good description of the practice itself.

On June 16, 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1736 into Texas law. This will move the state’s single-family residential code from the 2009 code to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). All local jurisdictions must comply with the new code by September 1, 2016. The new Texas code includes an Energy Rating Index compliance option. The Texas state legislature modified the 2015 IECC required Energy Rating Index scores to a set of scaled scores that increases in stringency over time. The required index scores in Texas are: Climate Zones 2 & 3 • A 65 or lower score from September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2019 • A 63 or lower score from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022 • A 59 or lower score after September 1, 2022 Climate Zone 4 • A 69 or lower score from September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2019 • A 67 or lower score from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022 • A 63 or lower score after September 1, 2022 In addition to the Energy Rating Index Score the state’s code requires that builders meet the 2009 IECC standards for insulation. To view the new Texas energy code go to 2015 IECC and Energy Rating Index Option.