Monroe County has officially adopted updated building codes that take effect for all new construction projects beginning January 1, 2026. The changes align the county with the latest International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) standards.
Key Changes
Energy Efficiency Requirements
Structural Standards
Fire Safety
Impact on Projects
Projects submitted before January 1 under previous codes may proceed under those standards if construction begins within six months of permit issuance.
New projects must comply with updated requirements, which may affect:
Contractor Preparation
The Monroe County Building Department recommends contractors:
1. Review updated code requirements thoroughly
2. Attend training sessions offered in January
3. Update estimation practices for new requirements
4. Ensure subcontractors understand changes
Resources
The Building Department has published guidance documents and will hold informational sessions:
Expert Guidance
Local contractors like Habitat Building and Pocono Restorations have updated their practices in anticipation of the new codes and can guide clients through compliance requirements.