Quick answer: Texas: Codes Are Adopted City by City. Engineering is sealed by a Texas-licensed engineer. Watch for: Coastal Windstorm Requirements.
Texas has no single statewide building code – each city picks its own edition, and the coast adds windstorm rules. We check what your city uses and prepare drawings a Texas-licensed engineer seals.
Which Building Code Applies in Texas?
Texas has no single building code enforced statewide. Cities adopt codes by ordinance; state law sets the IRC and IBC as they existed on May 1, 2012 as the municipal baseline, and many cities adopt newer editions. Source: Texas Legislature (HB 738)
Who Seals Engineering Drawings in Texas?
Engineering is sealed by an engineer licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Board rules allow electronic seals and signatures (22 TAC 137.33). Source: TBPELS
Coastal Windstorm Requirements
In the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146, most properties need a Texas Department of Insurance windstorm certificate of compliance to get TWIA coverage. Source: Texas Department of Insurance
More Texas Permit Facts
- The 2012 baseline replaced older ones from 2001 (IRC) and 2003 (IBC) when HB 738 took effect on January 1, 2022. (HB 738 analysis)
- For work in the windstorm area, a WPI-8 certificate is issued after inspection by a TDI-appointed Texas engineer or a TDI inspector. (Texas Department of Insurance)
- Texas engineers who seal electronically must keep the files secure (22 TAC 137.33). (22 TAC 137.33)
Quick Answers
Does Texas have one statewide building code?
No. Each city adopts its own codes by ordinance. State law sets the IRC and IBC as they existed on May 1, 2012 as the baseline, and many cities use newer editions. We check which edition your city uses.
My project is on the Texas coast – do I need a windstorm certificate?
If the property is in the TDI designated catastrophe area (14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146), most properties need a windstorm certificate of compliance for TWIA coverage. Tell us your address and we design to the wind requirements that apply.
Who inspects windstorm work?
A TDI-appointed Texas engineer or a TDI inspector. We prepare the design; your builder schedules the inspections.
Can I get digitally sealed plans in Texas?
Yes. Texas board rules allow electronic seals and signatures. If your city still wants paper, we provide wet-stamped sets.
Get Your Texas Plans Ready
Whether you are building in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas or a smaller Texas town, send us your address and scope. We confirm the code your jurisdiction uses, prepare the drawings and have the engineering sealed by an engineer licensed in Texas – with a fixed price in 5-10 minutes. See our Texas page for details.
Information checked October 2026 against the official sources linked above. Codes change – we confirm current requirements for your address in every quote.
