Mississippi Enacts Statewide Building Code

Mississippi will utilize statewide building codes beginning Aug. 1, 2014.

Gov. Phil Bryant signed Senate Bill 2378, which requires Mississippi cities and counties to adopt any of the last three editions of the International Building Code. Chapter 13 covers energy efficiency, requiring design and construction to follow the International Energy Conservation Code.

As a state prone to natural disasters, many also hail the bill’s passage as a win for safety and best building practices.

The bill includes a provision providing jurisdictions an opportunity to opt out. Communities must pass a resolution deciding to do so within the first 120 days the law is in effect.