News

by Jim D’Aloisio | July 2025

Big building code changes are coming! As of this writing, the Department of State has just ended their Public Comment Period for replacements to the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the “Uniform Code”) and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (the “Energy Code”). The proposed new codes, based on the ICC 2024 Codes, are tentatively scheduled to go into effect at the start of 2026.

All referenced documents will be upgraded to newer versions, including the key structural reference ASCE 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. This document would revise wind loading and snowdrift loading, among other changes.

The Energy Code would slightly increase thermal envelope requirements and place specific limitations on thermal bridging elements. Blower door testing would be required for most commercial buildings. Notably, eight NYS counties are proposed to change from Climate Zone 6 to 5. See Figures 1 and 2.

Drafts of the proposed code revisions are available on the New York Department of State website. Note that these are not yet finalized and subject to change before the final adoption. This will be the first change to the codes in six years. We’ll all need to prepare!