Athens, Tennessee Building Codes

Updated : 11/12/2024

Overview

Athens, Tennessee, adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). Athens, TN Muni. Codes § 12-1001 (adoption), § 12-1003 (amendments), Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24. Athens, Tennessee, adopted the 2018 International Building Code (IRC). Athens, TN Muni. Codes § 12-101 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24. For Athens, Tennessee, no local adoptions and no local amendments of an existing building code were located, therefore section 101.4.7 of the IBC would likely apply.

Note that the Athens, TN, includes the 2018 edition of the ICC codes on their city website. Link to the city website.

Helpful resources for Athens, Tennessee include the following.

Residential Building Code

Tennessee adopted a statewide mandatory residential code that will control; however, local governments are free to make laws more strict (with some limitations).See PLRB, Tennessee Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Athens adopted the 2018 IRC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

Auto Search - beta:

Drip Edge

Drip Edge: Yes

The IRC requires drip edge flashing in section R905.2.8.5 and the state legislature did not amend this section. TN ADC 0780-02-23-.02(1)(a).

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Athens ? No
Comments:

While no formal online code was located regarding ice barriers, Gene McConkey, Building Inspector of Athens, TN, confirmed they are not required. (Per email dated 8/20/19.)

Government Officials
Last Name First Name Title E-mail Phone Note
McConkey Gene Building Inspector gmcconkey@athenstn.gov 423-744-2752

Comments

Athens, Tennessee, adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). Athens, TN Muni. Codes § 12-1001 (adoption), § 12-1003 (amendments), Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

Note that the Athens, TN, includes the 2018 edition of the ICC codes on their city website. Link to the city website.

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.

Athens, TN, adopted the 2018 IRC, including Appendix J.

For Athens, Tennessee, no local adoptions and no local amendments of an existing building code were located, therefore section 101.4.7 of the IBC would likely apply.

Commercial Building Code

Athens adopted the 2018 IBC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.

Auto Search - beta:

Comments

Athens, Tennessee, adopted the 2018 International Building Code (IRC). Athens, TN Muni. Codes § 12-101 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

Note that the Athens, TN, includes the 2018 edition of the ICC codes on their city website. Link to the city website.

Existing Buildings

For Athens, Tennessee, no local adoptions and no local amendments of an existing building code were located, therefore section 101.4.7 of the IBC would likely apply.

Other Building Codes

Athens, Tennessee, adopted the following codes:

2018 International Fire Code (IFC). Athens, TN Muni. Code § 7-201 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC). Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-201 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-301 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-402 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC). Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-701 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with amendments. Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-801 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Adopt the 2018 edition of the IECC.” Ordinance No. 1121. Accessed 11/12/24.

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-901 (adoption) and Athens, TN, “Fire and Building Code Updates.” Ordinance No. 1105. Accessed 11/12/24.

Note that the city website claims that the city has adopted the NFPA Life Safety Code (NFPA 101). Link to the city website.