2007 Kentucky Residential Code, 2nd Edition (Revised March 2011)

The 2007 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC) applies to single family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses). Based on the 2006 IRC, the KRC has been revised for its 2^nd edition, but its energy code reference remains the 2006 IECC for the buildings covered by the KRC. 

The updated KRC is effective March 6, 2011, with compliance mandatory starting June 1, 2011.

In addition to these changes, Kentucky now requires inspections of all new HVAC systems statewide (both commercial and residential). Section N1101.8 of the residential code requires a permanent certificate to be posted on or in the electrical distribution panel listing the predominant R-values and other energy related features of the structure, but an energy code inspection is not conducted by state code officials for single family dwellings, two-family dwellings and townhouses under the purview of the residential code.

The KRC is a “mini/maxi” code, in that it establishes minimum and maximum building code requirements for detached single family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses, and no local government shall adopt or enforce any other building code on these units.

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Future Update: On May 19, 2011, the Board of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction approved a proposal to update the 2007 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC), whose 2^nd edition is currently based on the 2006 IRC, to reference the 2009 IECC. The proposal included one weakening amendment: basement insulation will only be required from the top of the wall to below the frost line. The proposal must still endure the regulatory rulemaking process and legislative committee review, but observers anticipate an effective date of April 2012 and mandatory enforcement beginning October 2012.

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