UtahH.B. 652026 General SessionHouseWALLET

Construction Code Amendments

Sponsored By: Thomas W. Peterson (Republican)

Became Law

BusinessConstructionConstruction and Fire CodesReal Property

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

22 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 19 mixed.

Hook up to public water and sewer

Beginning July 1, 2026, you must connect to public water where it is available. You must connect to a public sewer if an accessible line is within 300 feet of your property line. If public water is not available, private water sources must follow Utah Code 73‑3‑1, 73‑3‑3, and 73‑3‑25 and get local health department approval. You may not connect a booster pump to a public water main unless Rule R309‑540 allows it. These hookup and approval steps can create large one‑time costs.

Backflow devices: install, test, and certify

Beginning July 1, 2026, backflow assemblies must meet new placement rules. Do not install higher than 5 feet without a permanent platform. The bottom must be at least 12 inches above the floor and 12 inches from walls, and pits are restricted. Reduced pressure, double check, pressure vacuum breaker, and similar assemblies must be tested at install (or within 10 days), after repairs or moves, and at least yearly. Tests follow Utah field procedures with ASSE 1064 gauges and must be done by a Utah Certified Backflow Assembly Tester. If your property uses a nonpotable water system, you must record it on the deed before you get a certificate of occupancy.

Safer home water hookups and valves

Starting July 1, 2026, if you connect drinking water to a nonpotable system (like pressurized irrigation), you must install a reduced‑pressure (RP) backflow device or an air gap. Potable backups to nonpotable systems must place an RP right after the potable tie‑in, use a dual‑source hookup that allows only one source at a time, and test the RP within 10 days and every year. Boilers need an air gap or RP; residential boilers without chemical treatment may use a listed intermediate‑vent device that drains by air gap. Exterior add‑on backflow devices must be non‑removable, and in freezing areas you must use a listed frost‑proof hose bibb with built‑in backflow protection. Underground stop‑and‑waste valves and freeze‑proof yard hydrants are allowed when installed per the maker’s instructions. Systems with glycerine (96.5% grade) or propylene glycol must use a double‑check valve and have written chemical certifications at install and service.

New building codes and inspections in 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah adopts updated national building codes. New projects must meet the newer safety, energy, plumbing, and electrical rules. Building officials can issue stop‑work orders when work breaks the code or is unsafe. Projects covered by IBC Section 1404 must also pass an exterior wall envelope and flashing inspection. These steps improve safety and water‑intrusion control but can add time and cost to projects.

Safer care facilities and fire access

Beginning July 1, 2026, buildings with ambulatory care must have full sprinklers if four or more patients cannot self‑protect, or if any such patient is not on the exit‑discharge level. The code allows two‑story assisted living when both stories together do not exceed the area allowed for a one‑story sprinklered building and other rules are met. Fire pump rooms need a 72‑inch clear passage, door openings at least 68 by 80 inches, labeling with two‑inch letters, heat to at least 40°F, a key in a Key Box, and permanent lighting. Riser rooms need a 36‑inch passage and 32 by 80‑inch openings. Open parking garages must add a Class 1 manual standpipe if fire department access is more than 150 feet from any part of the garage. These upgrades improve life safety and firefighter access but can raise project costs.

Stronger home energy rules in 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, new homes must meet higher energy rules. You can follow set insulation levels (walls R‑21, ceilings R‑38, floors R‑30, basement walls R‑10 continuous or R‑13 cavity) and tighter window limits (U‑factor ≤ 0.32), or pass a performance test (REScheck 5% better than Utah 2012 or HERS 67 or better). Homes must pass blower‑door testing (max 5 ACH for single‑family, 6 ACH for multifamily) and ducts outside conditioned space need R‑8 insulation and leakage tests (≤ 6.0 or ≤ 5.0 cfm/100 sf, depending on test stage). These steps can add testing and build costs up front, but they lower energy use over time.

Auto shops: waste disposal wells banned

Beginning July 1, 2026, new and existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells are banned. A well at a single‑family home is not covered by this ban. Auto service businesses must use other disposal methods, which protects health and groundwater but can add costs.

Business backflow protection for washes and dispensers

Beginning July 1, 2026, automatic and coin‑operated car washes must protect their water supply under the plumbing code. Chemical dispensers and portable cleaning gear must protect the water system and connect to a separate dedicated line, not downstream of an atmospheric vacuum breaker. These rules improve water safety and can add equipment and testing costs for operators.

Nail salon ventilation and faucet timing

From July 1, 2026, each manicure station that files or shapes acrylic nails needs source‑capture: either filter and recirculate with at least MERV 8 plus activated carbon at 50 cfm per station, or exhaust at 50 cfm per station. Inlets for tables without built‑in capture must be within 12 inches of the work point. Self‑closing or metering faucets in food service must run at least 15 seconds without reactivation. These rules improve air and hygiene but can require upgrades.

Design updates: snow loads, roofs, stairs

Beginning July 1, 2026, projects above 5,000 feet elevation cannot use the 1.15 allowable stress increase for snow load, which may require stronger members. A new prescriptive foundation option is allowed for Group R‑3 homes (three stories or less) and Group U buildings using repetitive wood‑frame or cold‑formed steel methods. Federal plaster rehab standards apply to historic properties only if you get a historic tax subsidy, the property uses public funds, or a government owns it. During reroofing, existing polyiso, EPS, or XPS insulation may stay if the maker allows it, the deck is serviceable, and the insulation is not damaged or wet. Homes must follow new stair rules: risers up to 8 inches, treads at least 9 inches (winder 10 inches at the walk line and 6 inches minimum), with a handrail on one side for 4 or more risers.

Lower-flow fixtures and restroom rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, lavatory faucets are limited to 1.5 gpm at 60 psi and shower heads to 2.0 gpm at 80 psi. Urinals are limited to 0.5 gallons per flush. Lavatories must be centered at least 12 inches from side walls with a 24‑inch by 21‑inch clear space in front. All public toilet rooms must have a floor drain. If you build multi‑user all‑gender restrooms, stalls must be full‑height and fixture counts must use 50% of the occupant load for that room, with the rest per Table 403.1. Public restrooms must provide the same number of diaper stations in male and female rooms, and stations must meet ASTM F2285‑04 (2010).

Safer child care spaces and sinks

Beginning July 1, 2026, day care spaces must post evacuation plans, train staff, and run fire drills. Group E child day care rooms with more than 10 occupants need a second exit, and sleeping rooms need emergency escape openings. Licensed non‑residential child care facilities must also meet added sink installation and count rules in the state child care regulations. Providers gain clearer safety rules but may face build or retrofit costs.

Updated Utah snow and concrete design rules

The law updates how buildings are designed for snow and earthquakes. Utah raises the flat‑roof snow threshold for some load combinations from 30 psf to 45 psf and adds a Utah‑specific ground‑snow map. It adjusts how seismic weight is calculated when Pf is over 45 psf. It also changes selected ACI 318 concrete design rules that affect shear, pier design, and overstrength factors.

Schools: stronger alarms and security glass

Starting July 1, 2026, K‑12 and child care schools must use manual fire alarms tied to an emergency voice or approved audible/visual system. Detectors, wiring (Class A), and panel locations must meet added technical rules. K‑12 schools must install ballistic or security glazing on exterior windows within 25 feet of entrances and around classroom areas up to 6 feet high, meeting listed standards. These upgrades improve safety and can raise project costs.

Cleaner water heater rules and labels

Beginning July 1, 2026, sellers may not sell or install natural‑gas water heaters that exceed new NOx limits (for example, ≤ 10 ng/J or 15 ppm for units ≤ 75,000 BTU/hr; ≤ 14 ng/J or 20 ppm for units > 75,000 and < 2,000,000 BTU/hr). Mobile home and some pool/spa units have different listed limits. Some heaters are exempt (non‑gas, RV, made before July 1, 2018, out‑of‑state sales, or for areas outside ozone/PM2.5 nonattainment). A noncompliant replacement is allowed only when matching BTU, no compliant equal‑BTU unit exists in the U.S., and the unit also heats the space. Makers must use SCAQMD Method 100.1 for testing and add a permanent label showing the model and NOx rate.

New rules for assisted living homes

The law places secured assisted living areas on the level of exit discharge and sets door operation rules to support safe exits. Starting July 1, 2026, some Type‑II assisted living homes with controlled‑egress locks may also house residents without a clinical need for containment if residents get keys or codes and give written agreement. No more than 30 controlled‑egress residents may be in one smoke compartment.

Cleaner air in pool and spa rooms

Starting July 1, 2026, supply air to pool and spa areas may be recirculated only if dehumidified to keep relative humidity at 60% or less. Do not recirculate pool/spa air into other rooms if it would make up more than 10% of the supply air. Designers must follow ANSI/ACCA 10 Manual SPS 2023 for pool and spa HVAC.

HVAC flex and gas meter safety

Beginning July 1, 2026, return air from an accessory dwelling unit may discharge into another dwelling unit, and vice versa. Homes with only direct‑vent or mechanical‑draft fuel appliances do not need makeup air. Certain Category I appliances may remain in occupiable rooms if the original install met code, a working CO detector is present, the authority approves due to extreme venting difficulty, the room is used only for the appliance, required combustion air is provided, and vents end with a listed cap. Fuel gas meters and piping must be in an approved spot or be protected from falling or moving ice and snow, with access for service and code‑compliant structures. These changes add flexibility but may require protective work at some sites.

Pipe testing, leak pans, and bracing

Beginning July 1, 2026, underground plumbing must allow access to tracer wire at both ends or at the cleanout. When water is not available or it is freezing, plastic drains and vents may be air‑tested at up to 6 psi for no more than 15 minutes, with careful monitoring and safe depressurizing. Plastic water pipes may be air‑tested at 50 to 80 psi for up to 15 minutes with the same safety steps. A water heater pan is for emergency discharge only; its drain may tie to a soil or waste line if trapped, vented, and primed, and water heaters must be strapped at the top and bottom thirds for earthquakes. Safe pans under washers must be installed per Section 504.7. These steps reduce water damage and delays, but add some installation work.

Backflow testing and approvals standardized

Starting July 1, 2026, backflow testing must follow IPC 312.11.1 and 312.11.2, and when needed 312.11.3. Backflow assemblies need two approvals: a third‑party lab and a listed organization that does lab and one‑year field evaluations. The law also deletes some plumbing code subsections and referenced standards, so inspectors and contractors must use the updated references.

When these code changes take effect

Most changes take effect July 1, 2026. Actions tied to Sections 15A‑3‑107 and 15A‑3‑108 take effect May 6, 2026, or upon the governor’s approval if passed by a two‑thirds vote. The law also updates repeal dates: one on July 1, 2027, another on January 1, 2028, and others on July 1, 2029. The repeal of a water conservancy district inspection fee is delayed to July 1, 2027.

Safer ambulatory care clinics and offices

Beginning July 1, 2026, the code defines ambulatory surgical centers to apply the right safety rules. Licensed ambulatory care facilities must be separated from adjacent tenants by a one‑hour fire partition. Levels below the exit discharge need a one‑hour horizontal assembly, with listed exceptions. This improves patient safety and can add build or retrofit costs.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Thomas W. Peterson
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Evan J. Vickers
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 9

House vote • 2/9/2026

House/ concurs with Senate amendment

Yes: 67 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/6/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 27 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 20 • No: 5

House vote • 2/3/2026

Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 1/27/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading