Nebraska IEBC Guide: Code Triggers for Renovations, Additions & Change of Occupancy

Working with existing buildings in Nebraska presents unique challenges that go beyond the scope of new construction. Projects involving alterations, additions, or changes of occupancy are governed primarily by the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), which dictates the extent to which an existing structure must be upgraded to meet current standards for life safety, accessibility, structural integrity, and energy efficiency. Understanding these triggers is critical for accurate budgeting, scheduling, and successful permitting in jurisdictions like Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue.

The core principle of the IEBC is that not every alteration requires the entire building to be brought up to the standards of new construction. Instead, the code provides a framework for evaluating the scope of work and applying proportionate upgrades.

Key Code Triggers for Existing Buildings in Nebraska:

• Change of Occupancy: This is one of the most significant triggers. When a building's use changes to a more hazardous classification (e.g., from Business to Assembly), the IEBC often requires the area of change to comply with the International Building Code (IBC) for new construction regarding fire sprinklers, fire alarms, egress, and accessibility.

• Alterations to a Primary Function Area: Any alteration to a "primary function area"—where the main activities of the building take place—triggers a requirement to upgrade the accessibility of the path of travel. This includes the building entrance, the route to the altered area, and core facilities like restrooms. However, this is limited by a "disproportionate cost" clause, typically 20% of the alteration cost.

• Substantial Structural Alteration: Alterations that significantly impact the structural system, such as removing load-bearing walls or increasing gravity loads, can trigger a requirement for a full structural analysis of the lateral-force-resisting system and potential seismic retrofitting, especially in older buildings.

• Permitted Work (Life Safety Systems): In residential projects, undertaking work that requires a permit, such as an addition or significant interior remodel, will typically trigger a requirement to upgrade the entire dwelling's smoke and carbon monoxide alarm systems to current standards (hardwired, interconnected, with battery backup).

The Critical Role of the IEBC in Nebraska Projects

In Nebraska, where building codes are adopted and amended at the local level, the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is the essential guide for any project that isn't ground-up new construction. For architects, engineers, and contractors, failing to understand the IEBC's provisions can lead to significant and costly surprises during plan review and construction. A simple tenant improvement can quickly escalate into a project requiring new fire sprinkler systems, major accessibility upgrades, or structural retrofitting if certain thresholds are crossed.

This topic is crucial because it balances preserving the existing building stock with ensuring the safety and accessibility of occupants. The IEBC provides several compliance paths—Prescriptive, Work Area, and Performance—that allow design professionals flexibility in achieving code compliance. Common pitfalls include:

• Misinterpreting the scope of an "alteration" and missing the trigger for accessibility upgrades.

• Underestimating the impact of a "change of occupancy," especially regarding fire protection systems.

• Failing to check for local amendments in cities like Omaha or Lincoln, which can modify the base I-Code requirements.

• Ignoring the IEBC's structural provisions for historic or unreinforced masonry buildings, which carry specific evaluation requirements.

A deep understanding of the IEBC and its relationship with the IBC, IFC, NEC, and ADA is not just about compliance; it's about providing clients with accurate initial project assessments and avoiding unforeseen costs and delays.

What code triggers mandate a fire sprinkler system, accessibility upgrades, and a new fire alarm for a change of occupancy from Group B to A-2 in Lincoln, NE?

For a change of occupancy from a Group B (Business) to a Group A-2 (Assembly, e.g., restaurant) in an existing, non-sprinklered Type V-B building in Lincoln, the primary trigger for these upgrades is the change itself, as defined by the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) adopted by the City of Lincoln. The IEBC's Work Area Method (Chapter 10) mandates that the building or portion thereof undergoing the change must comply with the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) for the new occupancy group.

Deeper Explanation and Code References

The City of Lincoln has adopted the 2018 IEBC. When you change the use of a building to one that is considered a greater hazard, the code requires significant upgrades to protect the public.

1. Fire Sprinkler System Trigger:

• IEBC §1012.8.1 (Sprinklers): This section explicitly states that when a change of occupancy occurs, the building is required to be provided with an automatic sprinkler system based on the requirements of the current International Building Code for the new occupancy.

• IBC §903.2.1.2 (Group A-2): The 2018 IBC requires an automatic sprinkler system in Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

  • The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

  • The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.

  • The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge.

• Application: A new restaurant (Group A-2) will almost certainly have an occupant load of 100 or more, triggering the requirement for a full NFPA 13 sprinkler system in the fire area. Because the building is Type V-B (non-rated wood frame), fire area separations can be complex, often leading to the need to sprinkler the entire building.

2. Accessibility Upgrades Trigger:

• IEBC §1012.7 (Accessibility): This section mandates that portions of the building undergoing a change of occupancy must comply with the accessibility requirements of IBC Chapter 11.

• IBC Chapter 11: This requires the new A-2 space to be fully accessible. This includes accessible seating, compliant door widths, accessible service counters, and accessible routes within the space.

• Path of Travel: The change of occupancy also triggers the requirement for an accessible "path of travel" to the altered area, per IEBC §806 (referenced by Chapter 10). This means the primary entrance to the building, the route from the entrance to the restaurant, and the primary toilet facilities serving the restaurant must be made accessible.

• Disproportionate Cost Limit: The cost of these path-of-travel upgrades (entrance, route, restrooms) is not required to exceed 20% of the total cost of the alteration work for the change of occupancy.

3. Fire Alarm System Trigger:

• IEBC §1012.8.2 (Fire alarm and detection): Similar to sprinklers, this section requires the installation of a fire alarm system based on the IBC requirements for the new occupancy.

• IBC §907.2.1 (Group A): The 2018 IBC requires a fire alarm system in Group A occupancies where the occupant load is 300 or more. However, a crucial secondary trigger exists: if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, a fire alarm system is also required to transmit signals and activate notification appliances.

• Application: Since the change to A-2 will trigger the sprinkler system requirement (as noted above), this in turn triggers the requirement for a fire alarm system per IBC §907.2.1, even if the occupant load is less than 300. The system would need manual pull stations, audible/visual notification, and connection to the sprinkler waterflow and tamper switches.

What are the seismic retrofit requirements for a historic unreinforced masonry (URM) building alteration in Omaha?

For a major alteration to a historic, unreinforced masonry (URM) building in Omaha, the structural evaluation and seismic retrofit requirements are triggered by the extent of the alteration and are governed by the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), specifically Chapter 8 (Work Area Method) and Chapter 12 (Historic Buildings), and referenced standards like ASCE 41, Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings. The primary trigger is a "substantial structural alteration" or a change of occupancy to a higher risk category.

Deeper Explanation and Code References

The City of Omaha adopts the 2018 IEBC, which provides specific rules for dealing with the structural hazards of older buildings, particularly URM construction.

1. Structural Triggers under the IEBC (Work Area Method):

• IEBC §807.4 (Substantial structural alteration): This is the key trigger. A substantial structural alteration occurs when the alterations:

  • Affect more than 30% of the total floor and roof areas of the building.

  • And the work is required to be designed to resist lateral loads (which all structural work is).

• IEBC §807.4.2 (Lateral load-resisting system): When a substantial structural alteration occurs, the entire lateral force-resisting system (e.g., the URM walls, diaphragms) must be analyzed. The analysis must demonstrate that the building can resist the reduced-level seismic forces specified in IEBC Section 807.4.

• IEBC §807.5 (Alterations increasing seismic force): If the alteration increases the seismic force in any structural element by more than 10%, that element must be altered to meet the full seismic requirements of the IBC for new construction. This often happens when heavy new equipment is added to upper floors or when rooflines are changed.

2. Specific Requirements for URM Buildings:

• IEBC §807.7 (Unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings): This section contains specific, non-negotiable triggers for URM buildings located in Seismic Design Categories C, D, E, or F (Omaha is in SDC B, but these provisions are often enforced by jurisdictions as best practice or for higher-risk buildings). If an alteration requires the removal of URM walls, specific retrofits are mandated, such as providing anchorage of walls to floor and roof diaphragms.

• ASCE 41: The IEBC points to ASCE 41 as the authoritative standard for the detailed evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings. When a structural evaluation is triggered, an engineer will typically perform an ASCE 41 Tier 1 screening and, if necessary, a more detailed Tier 2 and Tier 3 analysis. The goal is to meet a specific performance objective, usually "Life Safety" (LS) for a typical building or "Immediate Occupancy" (IO) for essential facilities.

3. Historic Building Considerations:

• IEBC Chapter 12 (Historic Buildings): This chapter provides some flexibility for buildings designated as historic. It allows for alternative compliance paths and exceptions, provided that the building official determines the "proposed repair, alteration, or reconstruction will not be detrimental to the life, health, safety, or property of the public or occupants."

• However, this flexibility generally applies to architectural features, not fundamental structural safety. For a URM building undergoing a major alteration, the requirement for a structural evaluation and retrofit to mitigate collapse risk is almost always enforced, even if alternative materials or methods are approved to preserve the historic character.

In summary, a major alteration to a historic URM building in Omaha will trigger a structural evaluation per the IEBC. The lateral force-resisting system must be shown to meet at least the reduced force levels of the IEBC, and a licensed structural engineer will likely use ASCE 41 to perform the analysis and design any necessary retrofits, such as wall anchors, diaphragm strengthening, or adding new lateral systems.

What accessibility upgrades are triggered by a tenant improvement altering more than 50% of a building's area in Bellevue, NE?

A tenant improvement project in Bellevue that alters more than 50% of the aggregate area of a building triggers a requirement to make the path of travel to the altered area accessible. This includes the building's primary entrance, the route from the entrance to the improved space, and the core facilities (restrooms, drinking fountains) that serve the area. These upgrades are mandated by the 2018 IEBC and IBC Chapter 11, but are limited by a "disproportionate cost" provision.

Deeper Explanation and Code References

The City of Bellevue adopts the 2018 IBC and IEBC. The key concept here is the alteration of a "primary function area."

• Primary Function Area Definition (IBC §202): This is an area where the primary purpose for which the building is intended is carried out. It includes tenant spaces, offices, and assembly areas but excludes mechanical rooms, storage rooms, and corridors. Any significant tenant improvement will involve altering a primary function area.

• The Trigger Rule (IEBC §806.2 & IBC §1105.1): These sections are harmonized and state that when an alteration that affects the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function is made, an accessible path of travel to the altered area shall be provided.

• Elements of the Path of Travel: The required accessible path of travel includes:

  1. A primary entrance to the building.

  2. The corridors, hallways, and elevators leading from the entrance to the altered primary function area.

  3. The restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area.

• The 50% Threshold Myth: The prompt mentions altering more than 50% of the area. While this is a substantial alteration, the accessibility trigger is not based on a percentage of area. The trigger is any alteration to a primary function area. A small office remodel triggers the same path of travel requirement as a large one.

The Disproportionate Cost Exception (Safe Harbor):

This is the most critical and often misunderstood part of the requirement.

• IEBC §806.2.1 & IBC §1105.1.1: The code states that the cost of providing the accessible path of travel is not required to exceed 20 percent of the cost of the alteration to the primary function area itself.

• Practical Example:

  • Cost of the tenant improvement project (the alteration to the primary function area): $200,000

  • Maximum required expenditure on path of travel upgrades: 20% of $200,000 = $40,000

  • If the estimated cost to make the entrance, route, and restrooms fully accessible is $60,000, the owner is only obligated to spend up to $40,000. They must spend that $40,000 on accessibility improvements in a prescribed order of priority (1st: entrance, 2nd: route, 3rd: restrooms).

  • If the cost of all upgrades is only $30,000, the owner must complete all of them.

Therefore, for this project in Bellevue, the design professional must first identify the primary function area being altered, then assess the path of travel for compliance with ANSI A117.1. A cost estimate for the required path of travel upgrades must be prepared and compared to 20% of the construction cost of the tenant improvement to determine the final scope of required accessibility work.

How can an unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) be legalized in Lincoln, NE?

To legalize an unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Lincoln, the property owner must obtain a retroactive building permit by submitting plans that demonstrate compliance with the primary life safety, egress, and energy code requirements of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as adopted by the city. The process involves hiring a design professional, submitting for plan review, performing any necessary corrective work, passing all required inspections, and ultimately receiving a Certificate of Occupancy.

Deeper Explanation and Code References

Legalizing unpermitted work requires bringing the construction up to the standards that were in effect at the time of permit application. For a current project, this means meeting the City of Lincoln's adopted 2018 codes.

Primary Code Requirements to be Met:

1. Egress (IRC §R310 & §R311):

   • Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings (EEROs): Every sleeping room must have at least one operable EERO. This can be a window with a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. at grade floor), a minimum opening height of 24 inches, a minimum opening width of 20 inches, and a sill height no more than 44 inches above the floor.

   • Exit Door: The ADU must have at least one side-hinged exit door that is at least 36 inches wide, providing direct access to the outside.

2. Life Safety (IRC §R314 & §R315):

   • Smoke Alarms: Must be installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling. They must be hardwired with a battery backup and interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound.

   • Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Must be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units with fuel-fired appliances or attached garages.

3. Habitability (IRC Chapter 3):

   • Ceiling Height: Habitable spaces must have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet.

   • Light and Ventilation: Habitable rooms must have an aggregate glazing area of not less than 8% of the floor area and an openable area of not less than 4% of the floor area for natural ventilation, or be provided with mechanical ventilation.

4. Energy Code (2018 IECC):

   • This is often the most challenging aspect of retroactive permitting. The owner must demonstrate compliance with insulation R-values for ceilings, walls, and floors; window U-factors; and air sealing. This may require opening up walls for inspection or providing documentation (e.g., photos during original construction, product specifications). A blower door test may be required to verify air leakage rates.

The Legalization Process:

1. Consult with Lincoln Building and Safety: The first step is to contact the department to discuss the situation and understand their specific procedures for legalizing unpermitted work.

2. Hire a Professional: Engage an architect, designer, or engineer to create "as-built" drawings of the existing ADU and develop a set of proposed plans showing all necessary corrections to meet code.

3. Submit for a Retroactive Permit: Submit the plans and a permit application. Plan review fees and potentially penalty fees will apply.

4. Perform Corrective Work: Once the permit is issued, a licensed contractor must perform all the work identified in the approved plans. This could involve adding windows, rewiring for smoke alarms, adding insulation, or reconfiguring spaces.

5. Schedule Inspections: The corrected work will be subject to the same inspections as new construction. This may require opening walls, ceilings, and floors so the inspector can verify framing, insulation, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems. A final inspection is required upon completion.

6. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Once all inspections are passed, the city will issue a C of O, officially legalizing the ADU as a habitable dwelling unit.

Note: This process assumes the ADU complies with Lincoln's zoning regulations. If the ADU is not permitted by zoning (e.g., on a lot that is too small), a variance may be required, which is a separate and often more difficult process.

Does Omaha have local amendments expanding AFCI requirements for remodels beyond the base NEC?

The City of Omaha, which has adopted the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), does not have specific local amendments that significantly expand the requirements for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection in existing dwelling units beyond what is already mandated by the base 2017 NEC. Therefore, projects must comply with the requirements outlined in NEC Article 210.12.

Deeper Explanation and Code References

The requirements for AFCI protection during a remodel are found in the section on branch circuit extensions or modifications in existing buildings.

• Base NEC Requirement (2017 NEC §210.12(D)): This section, titled "Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications — Dwelling Units," is the primary rule. It states that where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced, or extended in any of the areas specified in 210.12(A) (which includes kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and basically all habitable spaces), the branch circuit shall be protected by one of the following methods:

  1. A listed combination-type AFCI circuit breaker.

  2. A listed outlet branch-circuit (OBC) type AFCI receptacle located at the first receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit.

• What this means in practice: If an electrician adds an outlet to an existing circuit in a bedroom, they cannot simply tap into the existing wiring. They must go back to the panel and replace the standard breaker with an AFCI breaker, or install an AFCI receptacle as the very first outlet on that circuit, which then protects all downstream wiring and outlets. This ensures the modified circuit has AFCI protection.

• Omaha Municipal Code: A review of the City of Omaha's ordinances (Chapter 44 - Electricity) shows the adoption of the 2017 NEC and lists several specific amendments. However, these amendments primarily address administrative procedures, service equipment requirements, and specific local concerns, but do not contain language that broadens the scope of NEC 210.12(D) for residential remodels.

Conclusion: While Omaha has its own electrical code and amendments, the rules for implementing AFCI protection during the remodeling of existing homes follow the standard set by the 2017 NEC. Designers and electricians working in Omaha must adhere to NEC 210.12(D), which requires adding AFCI protection whenever a circuit is modified or extended in the specified dwelling unit areas. It is always a best practice to confirm current enforcement policies with the Omaha Permits and Inspections Division before finalizing design.

Are smoke detectors required to be hardwired and interconnected in existing Nebraska homes during a remodel?

Yes, if a remodel in an existing home requires a building permit, the smoke alarms in the entire dwelling unit must be upgraded to meet the current code requirements for new construction. For most Nebraska jurisdictions that have adopted the International Residential Code (IRC), this means the smoke alarms must be hardwired for primary power, have a battery backup, and be interconnected so that all alarms sound simultaneously.

Deeper Explanation and Code References

While Nebraska does not have a single, mandatory statewide building code for all residential construction (it's adopted locally), major cities like Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and others have adopted versions of the IRC (typically the 2018 edition). The requirements for smoke alarms during alterations are very clear in this code.

• The IRC Trigger (2018 IRC §R314.3.1 - Alterations, repairs and additions): This is the key section. It states: "When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings."

• Requirements for "New Dwellings" (2018 IRC §R314.4 - Power source and R314.6 - Interconnection):

  • §R314.4: In new construction, required smoke alarms must receive their primary power from the building wiring (hardwired) and, when primary power is interrupted, receive power from a battery (battery backup).

  • §R314.6: Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.

• Practical Application: If a homeowner in Lincoln or Omaha pulls a permit to remodel a kitchen, finish a basement, or build a small addition, the scope of the smoke alarm upgrade is not limited to the work area. The code requires the entire house to be brought up to the current standard. This often involves running new wiring to all smoke alarm locations to ensure they are hardwired and interconnected. Wireless interconnection is permitted as an alternative if the devices are listed and compatible.

This requirement is a critical life safety upgrade. Interconnected alarms ensure that a fire detected in the basement will be immediately signaled by an alarm in a second-floor bedroom, providing occupants with the earliest possible warning to escape.

Additional Considerations for Existing Building Projects in Nebraska

Coordination Between Disciplines is Key

Successful projects in existing buildings demand a higher level of coordination than new construction.

• Architectural: The architect is responsible for the initial code analysis, determining the compliance path under the IEBC, and identifying all triggered upgrades, especially for accessibility and means of egress. Early and thorough as-built documentation is crucial.

• Structural: The structural engineer must investigate the existing structure, often with limited documentation. For major alterations or seismic retrofits, this may involve destructive testing to verify material properties. They must analyze the impact of new loads and code-required upgrades.

• MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing): MEP engineers face the challenge of integrating modern systems into buildings not designed for them. Adding a fire sprinkler system, for example, requires coordinating pipe routing, water service upgrades, and integration with a new fire alarm system. Electrical engineers must assess the existing service capacity to handle new loads and code-mandated upgrades like AFCI protection.

Navigating Jurisdictional Variations in Nebraska

Nebraska is a "home rule" state, meaning there is no single building code enforced statewide. The State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over certain state-owned buildings and occupancies, but for most commercial and residential projects, the code is adopted and enforced by the local municipality or county.

• Always Verify Locally: Before starting any project, you must contact the local building department to confirm which code editions and local amendments are in effect. What is true for Omaha may not be true for Kearney or a rural county.

• Major Jurisdictions: As of the latest updates, major cities have adopted the following:

Choosing the Right IEBC Compliance Path

The 2018 IEBC offers three primary methods for demonstrating compliance. The choice of path can significantly affect project scope and cost.

1. Prescriptive Method (Chapter 5): This path is straightforward and works well for simple additions or alterations where the work clearly complies with specific, itemized requirements.

2. Work Area Method (Chapters 6-12): This is the most commonly used path for alterations and changes of occupancy. It categorizes the project based on the level of work (Repair, Alteration Level 1, 2, 3, Change of Occupancy, etc.) and applies a corresponding set of requirements.

3. Performance Method (Chapter 13): This path is for complex projects where meeting prescriptive rules is impractical. It allows for a more holistic evaluation, comparing the proposed building's overall safety and performance level against that of a code-compliant new building. It requires detailed analysis and is subject to significant interpretation by the building official.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the IEBC and the IBC? The International Building Code (IBC) applies primarily to new construction, establishing the baseline for safety, accessibility, and performance. The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) provides rules and alternative compliance paths specifically for work being done in existing buildings, such as repairs, alterations, additions, and changes of occupancy.

Does a simple re-roofing project trigger major code upgrades in Nebraska? Generally, no. A re-roofing project is typically classified as a repair under the IEBC. While the new roof covering must meet current IBC/IRC requirements for materials and attachment (e.g., wind resistance), it does not typically trigger building-wide upgrades like accessibility or fire alarm systems unless the work involves substantial structural alteration to the roof framing.

Are sprinklers always required when changing occupancy? Not always, but often. Sprinklers are required if the new occupancy classification would require them in a newly constructed building per IBC Chapter 9. A change from a low-hazard use (like Storage) to a higher-hazard use (like a Restaurant or Nightclub) is a very common trigger.

What is a "primary function area" for accessibility purposes? A primary function area is a space where the main purpose of the building or tenancy occurs. Examples include office work areas, retail sales floors, dining areas in a restaurant, and patient rooms in a hospital. It excludes spaces like mechanical rooms, janitorial closets, and circulation corridors.

How do I find the specific building codes for a small town in rural Nebraska? The best method is to call the city or county clerk's office for that jurisdiction. Many smaller towns may not have a dedicated building department or post their adopted ordinances online. The clerk can direct you to the responsible official or contracted inspection agency and confirm which codes (if any) they have adopted.

Do I need a permit for minor repairs in my home in Omaha? Yes and no. The Omaha Municipal Code, based on the IRC, exempts certain "ordinary minor repairs" from permitting. This includes things like painting, replacing a faucet, or patching a small area of drywall. However, any work involving structural changes, new electrical wiring, new plumbing, or altering the egress system requires a permit. When in doubt, call the Omaha Permits and Inspections Division.

What triggers a seismic evaluation in an existing building? A seismic evaluation is typically triggered by a "substantial structural alteration" as defined in the IEBC, a change of occupancy to a higher risk category, or if the building has sustained significant structural damage.

Is replacing windows considered a major alteration? Window replacement is generally considered an alteration. While it may not trigger structural upgrades, it does trigger energy code compliance. The new windows must meet the U-factor and SHGC requirements of the locally adopted energy code (e.g., 2018 IECC). If the replacement alters the size of an egress window in a sleeping room, it must still meet the EERO requirements of the IRC.

Does Nebraska have a statewide energy code? Yes, but its applicability varies. The Nebraska Energy Code is based on the 2018 IECC and applies to all new public buildings. For private commercial and residential construction, the energy code is adopted and enforced at the local level by cities and counties, most of which have also adopted the 2018 IECC.

Does Nebraska have specific building code requirements for storm shelters? Yes. Jurisdictions that have adopted the 2018 IBC/IRC also adopt the reference to ICC 500, Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters. In new K-12 schools and critical emergency facilities located in the high-wind-speed zones of Nebraska, the construction of a storm shelter is mandatory per IBC Section 423.