City of Dallas - Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements
Dallas requires new residential construction to meet enhanced energy efficiency standards based on the 2021 International Residential Code, effective May 2023, which covers building envelope, mechanical systems, and other whole-building performance measures. If you're building new in Dallas, your home must comply with these codes—work with your builder to ensure the design meets these mandatory standards.
All new residential projects in Dallas must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code energy provisions as of May 2023, and all new commercial projects must meet the 2015 International Green Construction Code (as amended by the city). Ensure bid documents and designs incorporate these mandatory code requirements; Dallas was the first U.S. city to adopt the International Green Construction Code, so these standards are rigorous and comprehensive.
Dallas enforces mandatory green building codes through building permits and inspections: residential via 2021 IRC (effective May 2023) and commercial via 2015 IGCC (with city amendments). The program began with phased implementation starting October 2009 and represents a jurisdiction-wide building code adoption with no direct incentive spending—compliance is code-required for all new construction in residential and commercial sectors.
Program details
- Program ID
- 4793
- Last updated
- 7/11/2024
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial residential
- Technologies
- roofs comprehensive measures/whole building yes; specific technologies not identified
Program summary
In April 2008, the City of Dallas enacted a Green Building Program (see Ordinance No. 27131), which required all new buildings to meet enhanced energy efficiency standards. The program was implemented through two phases. Phase 1 became effective October 1, 2009, and Phase 2 became effective October 1, 2013 (as amended by Ordinance No. 28813).
Notably, Dallas became the first U.S. city to adopt the 2012 International Green Construction Code (with amendments) for new commercial construction. Dallas now implements the 2015 International Green Construction Code (with amendments, hereafter Dallas Green Construction Code) as mandatory for commercial construction.
Residential Buildings
2021 International Residential Code: Dallas implements the energy provisions of the 2021 International Residential Code for 1- and 2- family construction effective May 12, 2023
Commercial Buildings
2021 International Green Construction Code: Dallas implements the 2015 International Green Construction Code (with amendments, hereafter Dallas Green Construction Code) as mandatory for commercial construction.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- biadmin@dallascityhall.com
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
