Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 313 (2025GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Peterson, Thomas W.

Final action

House/ to Governor 3/17/2025

Outcome

House/ to Governor

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• amends the State Construction Code to:
• align with updated standards in the International Residential Code (IRC); and
• align with the updated standards in the National Electric Code (NEC);
• includes a coordination clause to make the amendments to Section 15A-3-202 in this bill supersede the amendments to Section 15A-3-202 in H.B. 175, Housing Construction Amendments;
• removes regulations for water heaters in certain areas; and
• makes technical changes.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

12
15A-2-103
15A-3-206
15A-3-601
State Construction and Electrical Standards Amendments
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Thomas W. Peterson
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill modifies the State Construction Code.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
amends the State Construction Code to:
align with updated standards in the International Residential Code (IRC); 
align with the updated standards in the National Electric Code (NEC); and
makes technical changes.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
15A-2-103
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 505
15A-3-206
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 505
15A-3-601
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 15
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1, Section 
15A-2-103
 is amended to read:
15A-2-103. Specific editions adopted of construction code of a nationally 
recognized code authority.
(1)
Subject to the other provisions of this part, the following construction codes are 
incorporated by reference, and together with the amendments specified in Chapter 3, 
Statewide Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, and Chapter 4, 
Local Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, are the 
construction standards to be applied to building construction, alteration, remodeling, and 
repair, and in the regulation of building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair 
in the state:
(a)
the 2021 edition of the International Building Code, including Appendices C and J, 
issued by the International Code Council;
(b)
the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code, issued by the International 
Code Council;
(c)
Appendix AQ of the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code, issued by the 
International Code Council;
(d)
the 2021 edition of the International Plumbing Code, issued by the International 
Code Council;
(e)
the 2021 edition of the International Mechanical Code, issued by the International 
Code Council;
(f)
the 2021 edition of the International Fuel Gas Code, issued by the International Code 
Council;
(g)
the 
2020
2023
 edition of the National Electrical Code, issued by the National Fire 
Protection Association;
(h)
the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code, issued by the 
International Code Council;
(i)
the 2021 edition of the International Existing Building Code, issued by the 
International Code Council;
(j)
subject to Subsection 
15A-2-104
(2), the HUD Code;
(k)
subject to Subsection 
15A-2-104
(1), Appendix AE of the 2021 edition of the 
International Residential Code, issued by the International Code Council;
(l)
subject to Subsection 
15A-2-104
(1), the 2005 edition of the NFPA 225 Model 
Manufactured Home Installation Standard, issued by the National Fire Protection 
Association;
(m)
subject to Subsection (3), for standards and guidelines pertaining to plaster on a 
historic property, as defined in Section 
9-8a-302
, the U.S. Department of the Interior 
Secretary's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic 
Buildings; 
and
(n)
the residential provisions of the 2021 edition of the International Swimming Pool 
and Spa Code, issued by the International Code Council; and
(o)
Modular Building Institute Standards 1200 and 1205, issued by the International 
Code Council, except as modified by provisions of this title governing modular units.
(2)
Consistent with Title 65A, Chapter 8, Management of Forest Lands and Fire Control, 
the Legislature adopts the 2006 edition of the Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code, 
issued by the International Code Council, with the alternatives or amendments approved 
by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, as a construction code that may 
be adopted by a local compliance agency by local ordinance or other similar action as a 
local amendment to the codes listed in this section.
(3)
The standards and guidelines described in Subsection (1)
(n) 
(m) 
apply only if:
(a)
the owner of the historic property receives a government tax subsidy based on the 
property's status as a historic property;
(b)
the historic property is wholly or partially funded by public money; or
(c)
the historic property is owned by a government entity.
Section 2, Section 
15A-3-206
 is amended to read:
15A-3-206. Amendments to Chapters 36, 37, 39, and 44 and Appendix F of IRC.
(1)
In IRC, Section E3601.6.2, a new exception is added as follows: "Exception: An 
occupant of an accessory dwelling unit is not required to have access to the disconnect 
serving the dwelling unit in which they reside."
(2)
IRC, Section E3606.5, is deleted.
(3)
IRC, Section E3601.7
,
 is deleted and replaced with the following:
"3601.7 Maximum number of disconnects. The service disconnecting means shall consist of 
not more than six switches or six sets of circuit breakers mounted in a single enclosure or in a 
group of separate enclosures."
(4)
In IRC, Section E3705.4.4, the following sentences are deleted:
"Where more than two NM cables containing two or more current-carrying 
conductors are installed, without maintaining space between the cables, through the 
same opening in wood framing should be sealed with thermal insulation, caulk or 
sealing foam. The allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be adjusted in accordance 
with Table E3705.3 and the provisions of Section E3701.3. Exception. may not apply."
(5)
IRC, Section E3901.4.2, is deleted and replaced with the following:
"E3901.4.2 Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Spaces. Receptacle outlets, if 
installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, shall be installed in 
accordance with E3901.4.3. If a receptacle outlet is not provided to serve an island or 
peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula 
for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work 
surface.
"
(5)
(6)
IRC, Section E3901.4.3, is deleted and replaced with the following:
"E3901.4.3 Receptacle Outlet Location. 
Receptacle
When installed, receptacle
 outlets 
shall be located in one or more of the following:
1. On or above, but not more than 20 inches (508 mm) above a countertop or work 
surface.
2. In a countertop using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops.
3. In a work surface using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in work surface or 
listed for use in countertops.
Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, 
appliance garages, sinks, or range tops as covered in the exception to Section E3901.4.1 or 
appliances occupying assigned spaces shall not be considered as these required outlets.
4. Under the countertop not more than 14 inches from the bottom leading edge of the 
countertop."
(6)
(7)
In IRC, Section 3902.1, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(7)
(8)
In IRC, Section 3902.2, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(8)
(9)
In IRC, Section 3902.3, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(9)
(10)
In IRC, Section 3902.4, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(10)
(11)
In IRC, Section 3902.5, after the word "125-volt" add the words "single phase 15 
and 20 ampere in unfinished portions of the basement shall have ground-fault 
circuit-interrupter protection for personnel" and delete the rest of the section.
(11)
(12)
In IRC, Section 3902.6, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(12)
(13)
In IRC, Section 3902.7, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(13)
(14)
In IRC, Section 3902.8, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(14)
(15)
In IRC, Section 3902.9, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(15)
(16)
IRC, Section 3902.10, is deleted.
(16)
(17)
In IRC, Section 3902.12, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(17)
(18)
In IRC, Section 3902.13, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20 
ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
(18)
(19)
IRC, Section 3902.15, Crawl space lighting outlets, is deleted.
(19)
(20)
IRC, Section 3902.16, Equipment requiring servicing, is deleted.
(20)
(21)
IRC Section 3902.17, Outdoor outlets, is deleted.
(21)
(22)
IRC, Section 3902.19, Location of arc-fault circuit interrupters, is deleted.
(22)
(23)
IRC, Section E3902.20, Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection, is deleted.
(23)
(24)
IRC, Section E3902.21, Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection for branch circuit 
extensions or modification, is deleted.
(24)
(25)
IRC, Section 4002.11, is deleted and replaced with the following: "4002.11 
Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a 
bathtub or shower stall."
(25)
(26)
IRC, 
Chapter 44
, is amended by deleting the standard for "ANCE."
(26)
(27)
In IRC, 
Chapter 44
, the standard for ASHRAE is amended by changing 
"34-2013" to "34-2019."
(27)
(28)
In IRC, 
Chapter 44
, the standard for CSA, is amended by changing the:
(a)
standard reference number "UL/CSA/ANCE 60335-2-40-2012" to "UL/CSA 
60335-2-40-2019"; and
(b)
title "Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, 
Part 2
: Particular 
Requirements for Motor-Compressors" to "Standard for Household and Similar 
Electrical Appliances, 
Part 2-40
, Requirements for Electric Heat Pumps, Air 
Conditioners and Dehumidifiers-3rd Edition."
(28)
(29)
In IRC, 
Chapter 44
, the standard for UL, is amended by changing the:
(a)
standard reference number "1995-2011" to "1995-2015";
(b)
standard reference number "UL/CSA/ANCE 60335-2-40-2012" to "UL/CSA 
60335-2-40-2019"; and
(c)
title "Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, 
Part 2
: Particular 
Requirements for Motor-Compressors" to "Standard for Household and Similar 
Electrical Appliances, 
Part 2-40
, Requirements for Electric Heat Pumps, Air 
Conditioners and Dehumidifiers-3rd Edition."
(29)
(30)
In IRC, Chapter 44, the standard for ANSI/RESNET/ICC 201-2019 Section 4.4.4 is 
added as follows: "4.4.4. Air Source Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners. For Heat Pumps and 
Air Conditioners with the more recent Manufacturers Equipment Performance Ratings (HSPF2 
or SEER2) available, and HSPF and SEER are not available, these ratings shall be converted 
to HSPF and SEER values by dividing HSPF2 or SEER2 by the conversion factors in Table 
4.4.4.1(1). If the type of equipment is not determined, the conversion shall default to the 
Ducted Split System factors. All calculations, including Equation 4.1-1a shall use HSPF or 
SEER values as made available by the Manufacturer or converted as specified in this section.
Table 4.4.4.1(1) SEER2 and HSPF2 Conversion Factors3.
Equipment Type
SEER2/SEER
EER/EER4
HSPF/HSPF
Ductless Systems
1.00
1.00
0.90
Ducted Split System
0.95
0.95
0.85
Ducted Package System
0.95
0.95
0.84
Small Duct High Velocity System
1.00
not applicable
0.85
Ducted Space-Constrained Air Conditioner
0.97
not applicable
not applicable
Ducted Space-Constrained Heat Pump
not applicable
0.85
"
(30)
(31)
IRC, 
Chapter 44
, is amended by adding the following reference standard:
"Standard reference number
Title
Referenced in code section number
USC-FCCCHR 10th Edition Manual of Cross Connection Control
Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research University of Southern California Kaprielian Hall 300 Los Angeles CA 90089-2531
Table P2902.3"
(31)
(32)
IRC, 
Chapter 44
, is amended by adding the following reference standard: "UL 
9540-20: Energy Storage Systems and Equipment; R328.1, R328.2, and R328.6."
(32)
(33)
(a)
When passive radon controls or portions thereof are voluntarily installed, 
the voluntary installation shall comply with Appendix F of the IRC.
(b)
An additional inspection of a voluntary installation described in Subsection 
(27)(a) 
(28)(a) 
is not required.
Section 3, Section 
15A-3-601
 is amended to read:
15A-3-601. General provisions.
The following are adopted as amendments to the NEC to be applicable statewide:
(1)
The IRC provisions are adopted as the residential electrical standards applicable to 
residential installations under the IRC. All other installations shall comply with the 
adopted NEC.
(2)
In NEC, Section 210.8(A), the words "through 250-volt" are deleted.
(3)
In NEC, Section 210.8(A)
 number 
(5), the word "Basements" is deleted and replaced 
with 
the following:
"Unfinished portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms."
(4)
In NEC, Section 210.8(A), number (6), the following is added after the word "Kitchens":
"where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces."
(5)
In NEC, Section 210.8(A), number (7) is deleted.
(6)
In NEC, Section 210.8(D), numbers (8) through (12) are deleted.
(7)
NEC, Section 210.8(F), is deleted.
(5)
(8)
NEC, Sections 210.52(C)
 number 
(2) and 
number 
(3) are deleted and replaced with the 
following:
"210.52(C)(2) Island and peninsular countertops and Work Surfaces. Receptacle outlets, 
if installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, shall be installed in 
accordance with 210.52(C)(3). If a receptacle outlet is not provided to serve an island or 
peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula 
for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work 
surface.
210.2(C)(3) Receptacle outlet location. Receptacle outlets shall be located in one or 
more of the following:
(a)
On or above, but not more than 500 mm (20 inches) above a countertop or work 
surface.
(b)
In a countertop using receptacle assemblies listed for use in countertops.
(c)
In a work surface using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in work surfaces or listed 
for use in countertops.
Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, 
appliance garages, sinks, or range tops as covered in the exception to 210.52(C)(1), occupying 
assigned spaces shall not be considered as these required outlets.
Exception: In dwelling units designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities, 
receptacles shall be permitted to be installed not more than 300 mm (12 inches) below the 
countertop or work surface. Receptacles installed below a countertop or work surface shall not 
be located where the countertop or work surface extends more than 150 mm (6 inches) beyond 
its support or base."
(6)
(9)
NEC, Section 210.12, is deleted.
(7)
(10)
NEC, Section 210.65, is deleted.
(11)
NEC, Section 215.18, is deleted.
(12)
NEC, Section 225.42 is deleted.
(8)
(13)
NEC, Section 230.67, is deleted.
(9)
(14)
NEC, Section 230.71, is deleted and replaced with the following:
"230.71 Maximum Number of Disconnects.
(A) General. The service disconnecting means for each service permitted by 230.2, or for 
each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5 shall 
consist of not more than six switches or sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more 
than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, mounted in a single enclosure, in a group of 
separate enclosures, or in or on a switchboard or in switchgear. There shall be not more than 
six sets of disconnects per service grouped in any one location. For the purpose of this section, 
disconnecting means installed as part of listed equipment and used solely for the following 
shall not be considered a service disconnecting means:
(1) Power monitoring equipment;
(2) Surge-protective device(s);
(3) Control circuit of the ground-fault protection system; or
(4) Power-operable service disconnecting.
(B) Single-Pole Units. Two or three single-pole switches or breakers, capable of individual 
operation, shall be permitted on multiwire circuits, one pole for each ungrounded conductor, as 
one multipole disconnect, provided they are equipped with identified handle ties or a master 
handle to disconnect all conductors of the service with no more than six operations of the hand.
(C) Beginning on July 1, 2027, Section 230.71(B) is no longer in effect.
"
(10)
(15)
NEC, Section 314.27(C), is deleted and replaced with the following: "314.27(C) 
Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets. Outlet boxes or outlet box systems 
used as the sole support of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall be listed, shall be 
marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose, and shall not support 
ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb). For outlet boxes or 
outlet box systems designed to support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that weigh more 
than 16 kg (35 lb), the required marking shall include the maximum weight to be 
supported."
(16)
In NEC, Section 334.24, the last sentence is deleted and replaced with the following:
"For flat cables, the minor diameter dimension of the cable shall be used to determine 
the bending radius when bending on the flat side of the cable. For all other bends, the 
major diameter dimension shall be used."
(11)
NEC, Section 406.9(C), is deleted and replaced with the following: "406.9(C) Bathtub 
and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or 
shower stall."
(17)
In NEC, Section 334.80, the second paragraph is deleted.
(18)
In NEC, Section 338.24, the last sentence is deleted and replaced with the following:
"For flat cables, the minor diameter dimension of the cable shall be used to determine 
the bending radius when bending on the flat side of the cable. For all other bends, the 
major diameter dimension shall be used."
(19)
In NEC, Section 406.9(B) number (2), the following words are deleted:
"be listed weather-resistant type, and installation shall".
(20)
NEC, Section 700.3(A) is deleted and replaced with the following:
"700.3(A) Conductor Witness Test.
The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness a test of the complete 
system upon installation and periodically afterward."
Section 4. 
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on 
May 7, 2025
.
1-23-25 12:34 PM