Fort Worth, TX Environmental Rules: Cool Roof Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Adopted IECC with local amendments
- Base sections
- C402 commercial R402 residential
- Climate zone
- Fort Worth in 3A
- Trigger
- Reroof exceeding 25 percent
- Compliance path
- Prescriptive or simulated performance
Summary
Fort Worth's adopted International Energy Conservation Code, with local amendments, requires reflective roofing or compliant alternatives on most low-slope commercial roofs and sets reflectivity options for residential reroof projects. The provisions support Climate Action Plan heat-island goals.
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.
Full Breakdown
Fort Worth has adopted the International Energy Conservation Code with local amendments through its Building Standards Commission and Council. Low-slope commercial roofs generally must use roofing materials meeting the IECC Section C402 prescriptive solar reflectance index thresholds, or comply through an alternative with ENERGY STAR or Cool Roof Rating Council certified products. Residential steep-slope roofs follow Section R402 prescriptive insulation and reflectivity options or use the simulated performance compliance path. Fort Worth sits in IECC climate zone 3A, which drives moderate reflectivity and insulation values. Permits are issued through Development Services, and inspectors verify product certifications during roof-cover inspections. Reroof projects affecting more than 25 percent of the existing roof area trigger full IECC compliance.
Violations & Fines
Failure to install compliant reflective roofing can lead to permit denial, stop-work orders, and required tear-off. Building code violations under Fort Worth ordinances carry fines up to two thousand dollars per day for repeat conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cool roof when replacing shingles on my Fort Worth home?
Can a Fort Worth commercial building skip cool roofing if it adds insulation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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