Minnesota building code
Minnesota has adopted 2020 MSBC - Minnesota Building Code (MR ch. 1305) based on 2018 IBC. The table below lists the governing edition for every discipline a plan check touches, followed by the Minnesota cities and counties that amend it locally.
- Current edition
- 2020 Minnesota State Building Code (2018 I-codes base), plus 2024 MN Commercial Energy Code (ASHRAE 90.1-2019) and 2023 NEC
- Prior edition
- 2015 Minnesota State Building Code (2012 I-codes base)
- Code authority
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division (fire: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal Division)
Edition changeover: Projects with a complete application on or before 2020-03-31 may still be reviewed under the 2015 Minnesota State Building Code (2012 I-codes base).
Adopted code by discipline
| Discipline | Adopted code | Local amendment |
|---|---|---|
| Building | 2020 MSBC - Minnesota Building Code (MR ch. 1305) based on 2018 IBC | n/a |
| Residential | 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (MR ch. 1309) based on 2018 IRC | n/a |
| Existing buildings | 2020 Minnesota Conservation Code for Existing Buildings (MR ch. 1311) based on 2018 IEBC | n/a |
| Fire | 2020 MSFC - Minnesota State Fire Code (MR ch. 7511) based on 2018 IFC | n/a |
| Electrical | 2023 Minnesota Electrical Code (MR ch. 1315 / Minn. Stat. 326B.35) based on 2023 NEC (NFPA 70-2023) | n/a |
| Mechanical | 2020 Minnesota Mechanical Code (MR ch. 1346) based on 2018 IMC (chapters 2-15) | n/a |
| Plumbing | 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code (MR ch. 4714) based on 2018 UPC (chapters 2-11, 16, 17 + appendices A, B, I) | n/a |
| Energy | residential: 2020 label (rule unchanged since 2015); commercial: 2024 Minnesota Energy Code - residential MR ch. 1322; commercial MR ch. 1323 (2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code) based on residential: 2012 IECC residential provisions (ch. 2(RE)-5(RE)); commercial: ASHRAE 90.1-2019 | n/a |
| Accessibility | 2020 Minnesota Accessibility Code (MR ch. 1341) based on 2018 IBC ch. 11 with MN amendments (ICC A117.1 referenced; A117.1 edition not verified this session) | n/a |
| Fuel Gas | 2020 Minnesota Fuel Gas Code (MR ch. 1346, parts 1346.5000+) based on 2018 IFGC (chapters 2-8) | n/a |
Overlays that can apply
Mapped hazard and district overlays stack on top of the adopted code. These are the overlays recorded for Minnesota. They apply by parcel, not jurisdiction-wide, so confirm the parcel before assuming one is in play. Check CAL FIRE's fire hazard severity viewer and FEMA's flood map service.
- FEMA mapped flood hazard area
Sources
- https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/codes-and-laws/2020-minnesota-state-building-codes
- https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/codes-and-laws/overview-minnesota-state-building-code
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/326B.121
- https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/electrical-contractors/electrical-codes-and-standards
- https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/plumbing-contractors/2020-minnesota-plumbing-code
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/1346.0050/
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/1346.5050/
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/1322.0010/
- https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/1311.0010/
- https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/fire-code
- https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/review76fall25.pdf
- https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/adoptions-map/minnesota/
Common questions
What building code does Minnesota use?
Minnesota uses 2020 MSBC - Minnesota Building Code (MR ch. 1305) based on 2018 IBC. It is administered by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division (fire: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal Division). The prior edition was 2015 Minnesota State Building Code (2012 I-codes base).
Do cities in Minnesota amend the state code?
Local amendments are adopted by ordinance at the city or county level. Confirm with the building department that reviews your permit.
Which edition applies to a permit already in review in Minnesota?
Projects with a complete application on or before 2020-03-31 may still be reviewed under the 2015 Minnesota State Building Code (2012 I-codes base).
Check a plan set against Minnesota code
Knowing the adopted edition is the easy half. Architechtura reads your drawings, resolves which of these provisions actually apply to the project, and returns the corrections a plan checker would write up, each one cited to the section it came from.
Your first check is free, no card required.
Compiled from published state and municipal adoption ordinances. Local governments amend their codes on their own schedule, and a pending ordinance can change what applies to your permit. Confirm the governing edition with the building department before you submit. This page is reference information, not a code determination.