Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Athens, TN has adopted the 2009 International Codes, with IRC amendments, including the 2009 IRC and IBC. Athens, TN Muni. Codes § 12-1001 (IRC adoption), § 12-1003 (IRC amendments) and § 12-101 (IBC adoption). No online IBC amendment code was located. Update: Per their website, Athens, TN has adopted the 2015 edition.

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 Athens, Tennessee include the following.

• 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.

Athens adopted the 2015 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 Athens ? No
Comments:

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

Government Officials

Comments

Athens, TN has adopted the 2015 IRC including appendices F, J, M and O. Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-1001.

Section 313.1, Townhouse automatic sprinkler system is amended by adding, “However, an automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in a three (3) unit townhouse with less than five thousand (5,000) gross square feet and three (3) or fewer stories if each unit is separated by a two (2) hour fire wall.” (as added by Ord. #1008, Aug. 2012). Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-1003.

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 has adopted the 2015 IRC including appendix J. Athens, TN Muni. Code § 12-1001.

Commercial Building Code

Athens adopted the 2015 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 the adoption without amendment to the model code here.

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Existing Buildings

Athens, TN did not adopt the IEBC, therefore Chapter 34 of the IBC would apply.

Other Building Codes