The bill amends the Local Government Code to update building codes and standards applicable in the unincorporated areas of certain counties in Texas. It changes the heading of Subchapter F to remove the term "Residential" and introduces new definitions for "New commercial construction" and "New construction," which now includes both commercial and residential projects. The bill specifies that new residential and commercial constructions must conform to the International Residential Code and International Building Code as they existed on January 1, 2018, while allowing county commissioners to adopt updated versions of these codes or establish higher standards. Additionally, it permits counties to charge fees to cover the costs of enforcing these standards.

The bill also introduces a requirement for counties to publish notice of proposed building code adoptions or amendments on their websites and allows for public comment before formal action is taken. It mandates that builders must have their new constructions inspected to ensure compliance with building codes and outlines the process for submitting inspection notices to the county. Furthermore, it establishes penalties for builders who fail to provide proper notice of compliance. The changes will apply only to new construction that begins on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 233.151, Local Government Code 233.154, Local Government Code 233.155, Local Government Code 233.157 (Local Government Code 233)