Building and Codes

NEW CODES EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026

The City of Winchester is currently enforcing the following model codes.

Building Code: International Building Code (IBC) – 2024 Edition

  Specific Amendment - Chapter 11 Accessibility shall not be included as part of the adopted code. (Refer to Accessibility Code for enforced standard)

Accessibility Code: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design – 2010 Edition

Plumbing Code: International Plumbing Code (IBC) – 2024 Edition

Electrical Code: National Electrical Code (NEC) – 2017 Edition (or most recent electrical code adopted by the State of Tennessee) Note: Electric Code enforcement is administered by the State of Tennessee Fire Marshal Office, via Winchester Utility System

Fuel Gas Code: International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) – 2024 Edition  (See Elk River Public Utility District for local policy and specific requirements.)

Housing Code: International Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities (IPCBF) – 2024 Edition

Existing Buildings: International Existing Building Code – 2024 Edition

Swimming Pool Code: International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) – 2024 Edition

Property Maintenance Code: International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) - 2024 Edition (In addition to Winchester Municipal Code, Title 13)

Residential Building Code: International Residential Code (IRC) – 2024 Edition with the following local amendments.

  Specific Amendment to Chapter 13 (IRC):

1. Section R309, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems as related to one- and two- family dwellings, and townhouses of three stories or less shall be excluded, pursuant to T.C.A. § 68-120-101(a)(8). In lieu of Section R309, local provision shall mandate that:
   1. A minimum two (2) hour rated fire partition be placed between dwelling units within townhouses of three stories or less.
   2. A minimum one (1) hour rated fire partition be placed between dwelling units within two-family dwellings of two stories or less.
2. Chapters 34-43 related to electrical installation are deleted and electrical standards prescribed by the National Electrical Code with such edition as determined by the State of Tennessee Fire Marshal Office shall prevail. Such standards shall be enforced by contracted electrical inspector(s) as determined by the Winchester Utility System.
3. Section R403.1.1 Minimum footing requirements shall be so that
   1. single story dwelling footings be a minimum of eighteen (18) inch width, depth of one inch below frost level, and consist of eight (8) inch concrete depth.
   2. Two story dwelling footings be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches wide, depth of one (1) inch below frost level, reinforced with minimum of two runs of No. 4 (1/2") rebar and eight (8) inch concrete depth, or of fiber mix determined to adequately support load. Such specification shall be included within properly signed and sealed house plans.
   3. Three story dwelling footings be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches wide with two runs of No. 5 (5/8") rebar and minimum of (10) inch concrete depth, or of fiber mix determined to adequately support. Such specification shall be included within properly signed and sealed house plans.
4. Section R310.6 Power Source relating to Smoke Alarms is amended to create Exception 3 that shall read:
   1. Exception 3. Interconnection and hardwiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure.

Energy Conservation Code: International Energy Conservation Code – 2024 Edition

Fire Code: International Fire Code (IFC) - 2024 Edition (no amendments or appendices adopted)

Life Safety Code: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 - 2024 Edition (no amendments or appendices adopted)

The Building and Codes Department is located at 7 S High Street, Winchester, Tennessee. The Building and Codes Official is Pat Sanders. Sanders also acts as the Community Development Coordinator for the City of Winchester, working directly under the supervision of City Administrator, Beth Rhoton. As the Building and Codes Official, Sanders is responsible for the administration and supervision of the permitting process, field inspections, and codes enforcement programs adopted by the City of Winchester. The City of Winchester first implemented building codes in May 1964 by opting to adopt the Southern Building Code standard. The city continued to operate under various editions of the Southern Building Code until the formation of the International Code Council. The City has since adopted various editions of the International Code Council (ICC), with those listed above being the most recent adoption.

Additionally, the Building and Codes Department is responsible for adopting and enforcing a property maintenance policies, health and sanitation standards, administering a slum clearance program, and enforcement of zoning regulations.

Administrative Assistant to Code Enforcement:
The administrative assistant to the Codes Department is Sara Short.

Assistant to Code Enforcement:
The assistant to the Codes Department is Scott Little.