Alaska Building Codes

Alaska building codes are designed to withstand the unique challenges of its climate, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and safety. They address issues like extreme cold, seismic activity, and snow loads to ensure that structures are resilient in the face of harsh environmental conditions.

Alaska building codes

Current Commercial Code of Alaska

Base Code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
Effective Date: This version has been in effect since January 1, 2021.
Amendments: Alaska has made specific state-level amendments to the 2018 IBC to address local needs, particularly focusing on seismic safety and energy efficiency due to the state’s unique climatic and geological conditions.

Other Relevant Codes for Commercial Buildings in Alaska:

Alaska Fire Code: Based on the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), with state-specific amendments.
Alaska Mechanical Code: Adopts the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
Alaska Plumbing Code: Based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC).
Alaska Electrical Code: Generally follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), with the most recent adoption being the 2020 edition.

Energy Compliance:

Alaska Energy Code: For commercial buildings, Alaska follows the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), enhanced with amendments to cater to the harsh and varied Alaskan climate, promoting greater energy efficiency.

Current Residential Code of Alaska

Alaska Residential Code

Base Code: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
Effective Date: This code has been in effect since January 1, 2021.
Amendments: Alaska has made several amendments to the 2018 IRC to address specific local needs, such as seismic resilience and thermal insulation, crucial due to Alaska’s extreme climate and seismic activity.

Other Relevant Residential Building Codes in Alaska:

Alaska Plumbing Code: Utilizes the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), with adaptations for local requirements.
Alaska Mechanical Code: Adopts the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
Alaska Electrical Code: Follows the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), including state-specific amendments for safety in diverse Alaskan conditions.

Energy Compliance:

Alaska Energy Code: For residential buildings, the state follows the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), heavily amended to boost energy efficiency in homes, a critical aspect given the high energy demands in Alaska’s cold climate.

Accessibility:

Alaska incorporates the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and other requirements to ensure that residential facilities are accessible and navigable for individuals with disabilities.

supplement these codes.

Approved Compliance Tools

REScheck and COMcheck are not applicable. Thermal compliance with BEES is most often shown using AkWarm software; official ratings are only available through an AHFC approved Energy Rater.

Climate Zones: 7, 8

Code Adoption and Change Process

Code Change Process

Legislative (commercial) and regulatory (residential): Proposed changes to the standards for residential buildings can be submitted to the AHFC, which reviews and acts on the proposals. Public hearings are required before changes are adopted. It would be necessary to go through the state legislature in order to promulgate a statewide commercial energy code. No singular codes development body exists in Alaska. Currently, at least three regulatory agencies have rulemaking authority to update constructions codes:

Department of Labor: Mechanical, plumbing, electric
State Fire Marshal: Commercial construction codes, including the IBC
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation: Residential energy code for homes that receive state mortgage financing

Code Change Cycle

No set schedule

Next Code Update

History

January 1, 2021	Adoption of 2018 I-Codes Effective	Alaska adopts the 2018 editions of the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC), effective from this date. These include Alaska-specific amendments to address local needs such as seismic safety, energy efficiency, and thermal insulation requirements.
January 1, 2020	Adoption of 2020 NEC	Alaska updates its electrical standards to align with the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), enhancing electrical safety protocols across the state, particularly in new commercial and residential constructions.
January 2014	Alaska’s FY13 Progress Report Published	Alaska publishes a FY13 Progress Report detailing the progress of the state’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in reducing the state’s energy consumption.
July 1, 2013	2013 Edition of BEES Becomes Effective	The 2013 edition of the Building Energy Efficiency Standard (BEES) becomes effective, mandating compliance with the updated standards including the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, along with Alaska-specific amendments.
March 9, 2011	2011 Edition of BEES Becomes Effective	The 2011 edition of BEES becomes active, requiring projects to adhere to the 2009 IECC, ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, and Alaska Amendments to these standards.
January 2010	Senate Bill 220 Introduced as the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act	This bill aims to increase energy efficiency by 15% by 2020 and sets the framework for statewide energy codes for public buildings. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is tasked with administering an energy efficiency grant fund. SB 220 is signed into law in summer 2010.
August 10, 2009	Alaska Legislature Overrides Veto for Energy Projects Stimulus Funds	The Alaska Legislature overrides former Gov. Sarah Palin’s veto to accept roughly $28 million in federal stimulus funds for energy projects. This funding supports the reintroduction and eventual passage of a bill to adopt the 2009 IECC.
April 1, 2007	2007 Edition of BEES, Based on 2006 IECC, Becomes Effective	The 2007 edition of BEES, reflecting the 2006 IECC and ASHRAE 62.2-2004, along with state-specific amendments, becomes effective, reinforcing energy efficiency standards in building projects across Alaska.
November 8, 2006	Alaska-Specific Amendments to 2006 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2004 Adopted by Reference	Alaska-specific amendments to the 2006 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2004 are adopted, enhancing the relevance and applicability of these standards to Alaskan building projects.
January 1, 1992	First Printing of the Alaska BEES Goes into Effect	The initial version of the Alaska BEES is implemented, with subsequent editorial corrections and updates over time, aimed at improving the standard’s clarity and effectiveness.

Contacts

Scott Waterman
Energy Specialist II
State Energy Program Manager
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Email: swaterma@ahfc.us

Kelly Howell
Director, Division of Administrative Services
Department of Public Safety
Email: kelly.howell@alaska.gov

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