City of Houston – Residential and Commercial Green Building Requirements

Program Overview

Implementing Sector Local
Category Regulatory Policy
State Texas
Incentive Type Building Energy Code
Web Site Houston Permitting Center
Cities Houston
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Water Heat, Solar Photovoltaics
Eligible Efficiency Technologies Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Applicable Sectors Commercial, Residential
Residential Code Chapter 11 of the 2015 IECC with amendments
Commercial Code 2015 IECC with amendments and ASHRAE 90.1-2013

Summary

Residential

In 2014, the City Council of Houston passed Ordinance No. 2014-5, requiring new residential construction to exceed the energy efficiency requirements under the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by 15%.

In October 2016, the City of Houston adopted Chapter 11 of the 2015 IECC with amendments per state law. 

Commercial

In April 2008, Houston adopted the City of Houston Commercial Energy Conservation Code based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004.

In December 2016, the City of Houston adopted the 2015 IECC with amendments per state law and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 with amendments. 

Authorities

Name Ordinance No. 2014-5
Date Enacted 01/08/2014
Effective Date 02/07/2014
Name Commercial Energy Conservation Code
Date Enacted 04/30/2008
Effective Date 08/01/2008