Connecticut sets building and fire code update schedules

State officials revise the three state codes to include later national code revisions within two years of their first publication. This applies to the State Building Code, State Fire Prevention Code, and Fire Safety Code. For the Fire Safety Code, the State Fire Marshal and the Codes and Standards Committee may certify that an update is unnecessary. No code revisions are required after the first publication of the 2024 model codes and before the first publication of the 2030 model codes. These provisions take effect October 1, 2026. The two-year period runs from the first publication of each later national code revision.

The State Building Inspector, Codes and Standards Committee, and Administrative Services commissioner consider the housing shortage when adopting State Building Code amendments. The consideration concerns residents who cannot afford a safe home. The amendments are to encourage safe housing that can be built at a reasonable cost; the text does not require a particular amount or type of construction. This applies when officials adopt amendments, starting October 1, 2026.

The Administrative Services commissioner submits a report on the code revision schedules and any recommendations for changing them. The commissioner submits the report to legislative leaders and the General Assembly committee responsible for public safety and security. The commissioner consults the State Building Inspector, the Codes and Standards Committee, and the State Fire Marshal. The report is due no later than January 1, 2029.