Georgia Building Codes

Georgia operates under a statewide mandatory adoption model administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) recommends code adoptions to the DCA Board. Current codes effective January 1, 2025 include IBC 2024, IRC 2024, IMC 2024, IPC 2024, IFGC 2024, NEC 2023, and ISPSC 2024 with Georgia amendments. Energy code is IECC 2015 with 2020, 2022, and 2023 Georgia amendments. New 2024 I-Codes with Georgia amendments become effective January 1, 2026. Georgia has three climate zones: Zone 2A (35 warm-humid southern counties), Zone 3A (majority of state), and Zone 4A (22 northern mountain counties). Wind Zone 2 (100 mph) applies to 6 coastal counties. Coastal High Hazard Areas (V zones) exist on barrier islands requiring pile foundations. No statewide residential sprinkler requirement. Local jurisdictions may adopt permissive codes (IPMC 2018, IEBC 2018, NGBS 2008) at their discretion. Atlanta has separate amendments. State Fire Marshal administers IFC and Life Safety Code (NFPA 101). Contact: DCA Office of Construction Codes (404) 679-3118, [email protected].