Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Rutherford County, TN has adopted the 2018 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2018 IRC and IBC. Rutherford County, TN Resolution Link (adoptions), Exhibit B (IRC amendments) and Exhibit A (IBC amendments).

State regulations may not permit the adoption of a code less stringent than the codes adopted by the state. For the most accurate information please check with the local building department. See the Tennessee state overview. Link to Tennessee Building Codes.

Helpful resources for Rutherford County, Tennessee include the following.

• Jurisdiction's Information Page(s):
  • Rutherford County, TN Building Code
• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Tennessee

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.

Rutherford County 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.

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Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Rutherford County ? No
Citation: Exhibit B
Municipal Code https://buildingcodes.rutherfordcountytn.gov/2018%20International%20Residential%20Code%20Amendments.pdf
Comments:

Climatic and Graphic Design Criteria

Amended by inserting the following: Ground Snow Load (lbs) – 10 Wind Speed (mph) – 115 Topo Effects – No Special Wind Region – No Windborne Debris Zone – No Seismic Design – B Weathering – Severe Frost Line – 12” Termite – Very Heavy Winter Design Temp – 14° Ice Barrier – No Flood Hazards – In accordance with adopted zoning ordinance Air Freezing Index – 366 Mean Annual Temp – 59° Manual J Design Criteria Elevation (feet) – 615 Latitude (Degrees North) – 14 Winter Heating – 14 Summer Cooling – 94 Altitude correction factor – Note P Indoor Design Temperature – 70 Design Temperature Cooling – 75 Heating Temperature Difference – Note P Cooling Temperature Difference – Note P Wind Velocity Cooling – Note P Coincident Wet Bulb – 74 Daily Range – M Winter Humidity – Note P Summer Humidity – Note P TABLE 301.2(1) Add Note p. “This value shall be determined using Manual J Design Criteria.” 

Government Officials

Comments

SECTION R313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. Delete this section in its entirety. Link to Exhibit B.

Commercial Building Code

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

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Existing Buildings

Rutherford County, TN has adopted the 2018 IEBC. Link to resolution adoption and link to Exhibit G amendments.

Other Building Codes