Building Energy Code

Summary

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

The energy provisions contained in Appendix Chapter 53 of the Uniform Building Code are recommended statewide minimums that local jurisdictions may, but are not required to, adopt and enforce. Code provisions may be modified by the local enforcement community without state approval to be more restrictive than the Chapter 53 requirements. The eight most populous jurisdictions in the state have advanced building codes in place, including the 2009 IECC and the 2012 IECC. The state recommends compliance with the energy codes for all buildings.

Proposed changes to the state energy code may be submitted to the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES). The DFPES reviews proposed changes and submits its recommendations to the Governor-appointed Building Codes Council. Changes approved by the council are then adopted at the annual September meeting and become effective in January of the following year. Local adoption is required before energy provisions can be enforced.