New York
- Outside NYC: the 2025 Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (based on the 2024 I-codes) took effect for new permit applications on December 31, 2025. Local design values such as frost depth and snow load appear in each municipality's Table R301.2.
- New York City: enforces its own 2022 NYC Construction Codes — see our NYC guide.
- Licensing: there is no single statewide home improvement license; NYC (DCWP), Nassau County and Suffolk County license home improvement contractors locally, and other municipalities may have their own requirements.
Building codes and contractor licensing by state compared
| State | Residential code basis | Home improvement contractor licensing |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 2024 IRC basis (2025 NYS Uniform Code); NYC has its own code | Local: NYC DCWP, Nassau and Suffolk counties |
| New Jersey | 2021 IRC basis | Statewide HIC registration with the Division of Consumer Affairs |
| Connecticut | 2021 IRC basis | Statewide home improvement contractor registration with the Department of Consumer Protection |
| Pennsylvania | 2021 IRC basis | Statewide HIC registration with the Office of Attorney General |
| California | 2024 I-code basis (California Building Standards Code) | CSLB license required for jobs of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials |
| Massachusetts | 2021 IRC basis | Not verified in our research — check the state |
| Florida | Florida Building Code, 2021 I-code basis | Not verified in our research — check the state |
| Georgia | 2024 IRC basis | Not verified in our research — check the state |
| North Carolina | 2021 IRC basis | Not verified in our research — check the state |
| Ohio | 2018 IRC basis (Residential Code of Ohio) | Not verified in our research — check the state |
| Texas | 2012 IRC as a statewide baseline; cities adopt newer editions | Not verified in our research — check the state |
| Illinois | No statewide residential code; adopted locally | Not verified in our research — check the state and municipality |
Code editions reflect adoption status as of 2026; local amendments and newer adoptions may apply. Licensing entries marked "not verified" were outside the scope of our research — we do not want to guess.
Why local rules matter for contractor licensing
Even within one state, local building departments set frost depth, snow and wind loads, and may adopt amendments. Fence heights, setbacks and lot coverage come from zoning, not the building code. Before you design, ask your building department for its adopted code edition, local amendments and its Table R301.2 design values.
Checking contractor licensing by state
Look up the license or registration on the state or local agency website, confirm insurance, and get a written contract. Our hiring guide walks through the steps.
This guide summarizes official rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change — confirm with the agency before you act.
Frequently asked questions
Which building code does New York use?
Outside NYC, the 2025 NYS Uniform Code (2024 I-code basis) for permits applied for from December 31, 2025. NYC enforces the 2022 NYC Construction Codes.
Do contractors need a license in New Jersey?
Home improvement contractors must register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
When does a California contractor need a license?
A California CSLB license is required for jobs of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials.
Is the IRC the law everywhere?
No. The IRC is a model code; it becomes law only when a state or local government adopts it, often with amendments.
