Comparing Building Codes for Foundation Design in TX, NC, and FL
Updated: 3 days ago
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How Foundation Codes Differ Across Three States
All three states build on the International Codes, but each adopts them differently and faces different soils and hazards.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Texas: Local Adoption and Expansive Clay
Code adoption: there is no single statewide building code; cities adopt and amend the IRC and IBC, and in TDI’s coastal catastrophe area the 2024 IRC and IBC took effect for windstorm certification on April 1, 2026
Expansive soils: the IRC (Section R403.1.8) and IBC (Section 1808.6) require foundations on expansive soils to be designed for soil movement, often with post-tensioned slabs, grade beams or drilled piers
North Carolina: A Statewide Code with Varied Terrain
Code adoption: North Carolina adopts statewide residential and building codes; the NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 codes as current
Frost and slopes: footings must sit below frost depth, and mountain sites need stable grading and retaining walls
Coast: flood zones and coastal high-hazard areas call for elevated foundations
Florida: Hurricane and Flood Provisions
Code adoption: the Florida Building Code applies statewide; the 8th Edition (2023) applies until the 9th Edition takes effect
Wind: foundations must resist hurricane uplift and lateral loads, with high-velocity hurricane zone provisions in Miami-Dade and Broward counties
Flood: foundations in flood zones must meet flood-resistant construction rules and required elevations
Common Requirements Everywhere
Minimum footing depth: the IRC requires exterior footings at least 12 inches below undisturbed ground, or deeper for frost.
Soil information: where soils are questionable or expansive, the code official can require soil tests, so a geotechnical report (by others) is standard practice.
Flood elevation: lowest floors in flood zones are set by local floodplain rules and the code.
Project: Custom Home Structural Design, Horseshoe Bay, TX
Two-story custom home in Horseshoe Bay, in the Texas Hill Country
Structural plans completed March 2026
Challenges
A large footprint, roughly 103 ft by 70 ft, needed a foundation that would perform on the site soils
Vaulted ceilings and open spaces called for long-span beams
Objectives
Design a foundation-to-roof structure for the home.
Provide a clear load path for gravity and lateral loads.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Structural engineering foundation, framing and shear wall plans
A 4-inch, 3,500 PSI post-tensioned slab with grade beams
Glulam beams for the longest spans
Results:
A complete PE-sealed structural set
Foundation Code Resources for Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
North Carolina
See the NC Office of State Fire Marshal.
Florida
See the Florida Building Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas have a statewide building code?
No single statewide code; cities adopt and amend the IRC and IBC.
Which IBC section covers expansive soils?
Section 1808.6.
Which North Carolina codes are current?
The NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 codes as current.
Which Florida Building Code edition applies?
The 8th Edition (2023), until the 9th Edition takes effect.
How deep must footings be?
At least 12 inches below undisturbed ground under the IRC, or below frost depth.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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