In a continued effort to keep homes and businesses safe and energy-efficient, the City of Tyler is updating its building codes to align with the latest national standards.
On Wednesday, May 28, City Council approved updates to the 2021 editions of the International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Residential Code and International Fire Code, with key amendments informed by the 2024 editions of these codes.
One of the most notable updates involves preparing for a federally approved transition to a new type of refrigerant for residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The refrigerant currently in use will eventually be phased out, and the 2021 code language did not account for this shift. By incorporating recommended changes from the International Code Council, the City is proactively updating requirements related to:
“These changes help ensure that Tyler’s homes, businesses and public buildings are built to meet modern safety and environmental challenges,” said Chief Building Official David Gibson, Jr. “They also support long-term cost savings and open up opportunities for grant funding, insurance discounts and improved emergency response.”
To support the transition, the City’s Building Services team will continue offering educational handouts, updated guidance and support for builders.
