- IRC Adoption · State-by-State · Last Updated May 2026
Egress Window Requirements by State — Which Code Does Your State Enforce?
The International Residential Code (IRC) is a national model standard — but each state adopts its own edition on its own timeline and may add local amendments that change the rules. Some states enforce IRC 2024, others are still on 2018, and some leave it entirely to local jurisdictions. Find your state below and verify exactly what applies to your project.
10
States on IRC 2024
13
States on IRC 2021
15
States on IRC 2018
12
Local / Varies
Always verify with your local building department. Code adoption data changes frequently. This table reflects our best research as of May 2026. Local jurisdictions often have amendments that differ from the statewide standard — and some states give home-rule authority to cities and counties. This information is provided for general guidance only. Call us at 1-877-534-7377 with questions about your specific project.
How IRC Code Adoption Works
The Model Code vs. Your Local Law
The International Code Council (ICC) publishes a new edition of the International Residential Code every three years — 2018, 2021, 2024, and so on. But publishing a new edition does not make it law anywhere. Each state must go through its own legislative or regulatory process to formally adopt an edition, and that process can take two to five years after the ICC publishes.
This is why, as of 2026, some states are enforcing IRC 2024 while others are still on 2018. Both are using the IRC — just different vintages. For egress windows specifically, the good news is that the core four R310 requirements have not changed since IRC 2012 — 5.7 sq ft, 24″ height, 20″ width, 44″ sill — so a kit that meets 2024 meets all earlier editions automatically.
State vs. Local: Which One Applies?
Even in states with a statewide code, local jurisdictions often have authority to amend it. Cities like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco enforce their own locally developed codes that may be stricter than the state standard. In states like Texas, Missouri, and Wyoming, there is no statewide residential code at all — every city and county sets its own rules.
The safest approach is always to contact your local building department before purchasing. Ask two questions: (1) which edition of the IRC are you currently enforcing? and (2) do you have any local amendments that affect egress window requirements? Our team at 1-877-534-7377 can help you interpret the answers.
ICC Publishes
New IRC edition every 3 years
State Reviews
State Adopts
Local Enforces
You Permit
Egress Window Code Adoption by State
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Always verify locally
| State | Edition | Scope | Notes | State Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | IRC 2021 | Statewide (residential under Home Builders Licensure Board) | Core R310 requirements unchanged from 2018 | |
Alaska | IRC 2018 | Anchorage only — rest of state is local jurisdiction | Verify with your municipality | |
IRC 2018 | Entirely local — varies widely by city | Phoenix enforces 2018 IRC; verify locally | ||
IRC 2021 | State buildings only — local jurisdictions vary | Most municipalities have not adopted statewide | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide mandatory minimum (CA Residential Code) | Modified as California Codes with state amendments | ||
IRC 2021 | Denver and state buildings only — local “home rule” | Local jurisdictions set their own code | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | Statewide enforcement | ||
IRC 2018 | Not statewide — see local jurisdiction | Verify with your county | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Florida Building Code) | Florida adopts IRC with state-specific amendments | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first states to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2018 | Per county — each county enforces independently | Some counties may still be on earlier editions | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
Local Only | No statewide residential code | Chicago has its own code; other cities set their own | ||
IRC 2020 | Statewide (Indiana Residential Code) | Based on IRC 2018 with Indiana amendments | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide (Kentucky Residential Code) | KRC based on IRC 2018 | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide | Currently reviewing 2021 adoption | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide (9th Edition MA Residential Code) | MA has its own edition based on IRC 2018 with significant amendments | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide (Michigan Residential Code) | Michigan has not yet adopted 2018 or later IRC | ||
IRC 2020 | Statewide (Minnesota Residential Code) | Based on IRC 2018 with MN amendments; own edition | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
Local Only | No statewide residential code | Local jurisdictions enforce their own codes | ||
Local Only | No statewide residential building code | Montana does not require permits for single-family homes in many areas | ||
Local Only | No statewide residential code | Local jurisdictions vary | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide | Currently reviewing 2018/2021 adoption | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (New Jersey Uniform Construction Code) | Adopted September 2022 with NJ amendments | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
New York | IRC 2024 | Statewide (New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code) | NYC has its own code — verify for NYC projects | |
IRC 2018 | Statewide (NC Residential Code) | North Carolina has not yet adopted 2021 or 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
OBC 2017 | Statewide (Ohio Building Code) | Ohio uses OBC based on IBC — residential under ORC | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Oregon Residential Specialty Code) | Oregon heavily amends the model code | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide (PA Uniform Construction Code) | Enforced by municipalities | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | Adopted with amendments effective 2022 | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | Tennessee Residential Code based on IRC 2018 | ||
IRC 2024 | Local jurisdictions only — no statewide code | Austin and San Antonio among early 2024 adopters; verify locally | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide (Vermont Residential Building Energy Code) | Currently reviewing newer editions | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code) | VUSBC based on IRC 2021 with VA amendments | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Washington State Residential Code) | WA has its own significant amendments | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code) | — | ||
Local Only | Local jurisdictions — no statewide code | Varies significantly by county and city |
Egress Window Code Adoption by State
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Always verify locally
| State | Edition | Scope | Notes | State Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IRC 2024 | Statewide mandatory minimum (CA Residential Code) | Modified as California Codes with state amendments | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first states to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide (New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code) | NYC has its own code — verify for NYC projects | ||
IRC 2024 | Statewide | Among the first to adopt IRC 2024 | ||
IRC 2024 | Local jurisdictions only — no statewide code | Austin and San Antonio among early 2024 adopters; verify locally |
Egress Window Code Adoption by State
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Always verify locally
| State | Edition | Scope | Notes | State Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IRC 2021 | Statewide (residential under Home Builders Licensure Board) | Core R310 requirements unchanged from 2018 | ||
IRC 2021 | State buildings only — local jurisdictions vary | Most municipalities have not adopted statewide | ||
IRC 2021 | Denver and state buildings only — local “home rule” | Local jurisdictions set their own code | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | Statewide enforcement | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Florida Building Code) | Florida adopts IRC with state-specific amendments | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (New Jersey Uniform Construction Code) | Adopted September 2022 with NJ amendments | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Oregon Residential Specialty Code) | Oregon heavily amends the model code | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code) | VUSBC based on IRC 2021 with VA amendments | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Washington State Residential Code) | WA has its own significant amendments | ||
IRC 2021 | Statewide (Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code) | — |
Egress Window Code Adoption by State
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Always verify locally
| State | Edition | Scope | Notes | State Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IRC 2018 | Anchorage only — rest of state is local jurisdiction | Verify with your municipality | ||
IRC 2018 | Entirely local — varies widely by city | Phoenix enforces 2018 IRC; verify locally | ||
IRC 2018 | Not statewide — see local jurisdiction | Verify with your county | ||
IRC 2018 | Per county — each county enforces independently | Some counties may still be on earlier editions | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide (Kentucky Residential Code) | KRC based on IRC 2018 | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide (9th Edition MA Residential Code) | MA has its own edition based on IRC 2018 with significant amendments | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide (NC Residential Code) | North Carolina has not yet adopted 2021 or 2024 | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide (PA Uniform Construction Code) | Enforced by municipalities | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | Adopted with amendments effective 2022 | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | Tennessee Residential Code based on IRC 2018 | ||
IRC 2018 | Statewide | — |
Egress Window Code Adoption by State
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Always verify locally
| State | Edition | Scope | Notes | State Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Local Only | No statewide residential code | Chicago has its own code; other cities set their own | ||
IRC 2020 | Statewide (Indiana Residential Code) | Based on IRC 2018 with Indiana amendments | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide | Currently reviewing 2021 adoption | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide (Michigan Residential Code) | Michigan has not yet adopted 2018 or later IRC | ||
IRC 2020 | Statewide (Minnesota Residential Code) | Based on IRC 2018 with MN amendments; own edition | ||
Local Only | No statewide residential code | Local jurisdictions enforce their own codes | ||
Local Only | No statewide residential building code | Montana does not require permits for single-family homes in many areas | ||
Local Only | No statewide residential code | Local jurisdictions vary | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide | Currently reviewing 2018/2021 adoption | ||
OBC 2017 | Statewide (Ohio Building Code) | Ohio uses OBC based on IBC — residential under ORC | ||
IRC 2015 | Statewide (Vermont Residential Building Energy Code) | Currently reviewing newer editions | ||
Local Only | Local jurisdictions — no statewide code | Varies significantly by county and city |
Major Cities With Their Own Codes
These cities enforce locally developed codes that differ from their state standard. Always verify directly with the city building department.
New York City
Chicago
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Denver
Houston / Austin
Philadelphia
Boston
The Good News: Core Egress Dimensions Haven't Changed Since 2012
Regardless of which IRC edition your state enforces, these four R310 requirements have remained consistent since IRC 2012. Every EgressUSA kit meets all four — and is therefore compliant in every state, regardless of which edition is locally enforced.
5.7 ft²
MIN OPENING
24"
MIN. HEIGHT
20"
MIN. WIDTH
44"
MAX. SILL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do egress window requirements vary by state?
Yes. While the IRC sets the national model standard, each state adopts its own edition on its own timeline. As of 2026, some states enforce IRC 2024 while others are on 2021, 2018, or even earlier. A few states have no statewide residential code and leave enforcement to local jurisdictions. Always verify with your local building department before purchasing or installing.