What to Expect for 2026 Code Cycle Changes

The 2026 code cycle ushers in more than incremental changes: growing AI infrastructure, rising electrical loads, and accelerating climate risks mean states are preparing for some of the most meaningful code changes in years.

As states prepare to adopt the next round of codes, design and development teams must understand what is changing, which states are adopting updates, and when those changes take effect.

This is especially important if you already have projects underway. Since permit approvals are tied to the code in effect on your submittal date, a small schedule shift can have big consequences.

Will your projects be impacted? This guide outlines what’s most important to know.

How often do code cycle changes happen?

Most model codes are updated on a 3-year cycle by the ICC, but states and cities adopt on their own timelines. Some authorities keep up with almost every cycle, others lag 1–2 cycles (or more), and a few allow local jurisdictions decide themselves.

Because of this, authorities can often be divided into two categories: fast adopters vs. slow adopters.

Fast adopters move to each code cycle (or only one behind), so project teams need to watch effective dates closely. On the other hand, slow adopters stay on older editions for longer, but will make big jumps when they finally update (e.g., 2012 → 2021 equivalent).

Which disciplines or aspects of design are more impacted?

While many parts of the building code update slowly, in this cycle there are two major categories where changes are significant. For designers and developers, these are the areas you’ll want to prioritize early because they affect your systems, documentation and schedule.

Energy standards and electrification

Many jurisdictions are adopting stricter energy codes that raise the bar across architectural, mechanical, electrical and envelope work. Energy codes can be more political, and this means states like California, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts and Colorado tend to adopt new editions quickly. Major themes include:

• Architectural & envelope design
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
• Electric efficiency
• EV and solar readiness

Climate resilience and life-safety adjustments

Codes are increasingly embedding resilience and hazard-based requirements, shifting how architecture, structure and systems are designed to respond to climate-driven risks like hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and wind loads. Some major themes include:

• Stronger hazard loads
• Expanded wildfire & fire-safety
• Tighter backup-power standards
• More resilient water & site requirements

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If your project is submitting in the next 18-24 months, prioritize these two themes because they impact choices around systems, envelope, coordination and documentation much more than typical minor code tweaks. Getting ahead of these can help you avoid redesigns and preserve timelines and budgets.

Which states are most impacted by 2026 code cycle changes?

States that are most impacted by upcoming code cycle changes are either states that are adopting new codes in late 2025-2026, or they are making big jumps in code editions.

Based on current state notices, code council calendars, and review cycles, the states with notable upcoming changes include:

How will these code changes impact project timelines and permitting?

The biggest permitting risk with new code cycles isn’t the technical change itself, it’s the timing.

Because most jurisdictions review your project under the code that is in effect on the day you submit, even a small slip in schedule can result in redesign, re-pricing, or a delayed opening.

If your submittal lands after a code change:

• The AHJ may require full compliance with the new edition
• Intake reviewers may reject drawings with outdated code references
• You may lose your review slot if updates pause the intake process

For teams submitting in late 2025–2026, tracking effective dates is critical. A two-week delay can mean redesign, additional coordination, or unexpected cost.

Pulley's Pre-Submittal Checklist

Pulley leverage AI agents and our nationwide team of local experts to QA every sheet of your submittal and ensure complete, clean submissions. A few tips if you’re submitting under new codes:

☐ Make sure drawing sets are referencing the correct code edition

☐ Check that cover sheets list the current, applicable codes

☐ Check that code sheets and summaries reflect updated requirements

☐ Verify jurisdiction-specific forms and checklists are current

☐ Ensure all disciplines (A/M/E/P/S) are aligned on the target code

What other tools or resources can help teams navigate these code changes?

Staying ahead of a new code cycle requires visibility into both state adoption timelines and jurisdiction-specific requirements. A few tools that can help:

Municode: A reliable search application for local ordinances, adopted codes, and jurisdiction-specific amendments.

UpCodes: A comprehensive code compliance platform, useful for quickly confirming which edition applies to your projects.

State code websites: Most states publish adoption calendars, rulemaking updates, and effective dates for upcoming editions.

Pulley’s due diligence tools: Pulley’s AI-driven research and pre-check workflows surface applicable code editions, local amendments, intake requirements, and common pitfalls up front.

These tools make it easier to track upcoming changes, align on the correct code edition early, and submit complete, accurate permit packages as states move into the 2026 cycle.

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