Arlington, TX Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Energy code basis
- Adopted IECC
- State authority
- Texas HSC 388.003
- Air leakage
- Blower door tested
- Voluntary programs
- LEED NGBS Texas SECO
Summary
Arlington enforces the International Energy Conservation Code and other International Code Council standards adopted by Chapter 10 of the City Code. Builders must meet insulation, air-sealing, and equipment efficiency thresholds before final inspections.
Sec. 388.003. ADOPTION OF BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. (a) To achieve energy conservation in single-family residential construction, the energy efficiency chapter of the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001, is adopted as the energy code in this state for single-family residential construction. On September 1, 2016, the energy efficiency chapter of the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2015, is adopted as the energy code in this state for single-family residential construction... (b) To achieve energy conservation in all other residential, commercial, and industrial construction, the International Energy Conservation Code as it existed on May 1, 2001, is adopted as the energy code for use in this state...
Full Breakdown
Arlington enforces the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) along with the International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fuel Gas Codes through Chapter 10 of the City Code. Texas state law under Health and Safety Code Section 388.003 sets the IECC as the minimum statewide residential energy code, and Arlington adopts current ICC editions with limited local amendments. Plan review verifies envelope insulation, air leakage testing, mechanical equipment efficiencies, and lighting controls. Solar-ready provisions and electric vehicle infrastructure are addressed under separate amendments. Builders may earn green certification through programs like LEED, NGBS, or Texas SECO programs but the city mandates only the adopted ICC codes.
Violations & Fines
Failing energy code inspections delays certificates of occupancy and triggers permit holds. Violations may carry Class C municipal fines up to 2,000 dollars per day until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arlington require solar panels on new homes?
Are there incentives for high-performance homes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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Green Building Code in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle green building code.