Radon

Building Codes for Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC)

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Building Codes Overview

  • Building codes are intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of homeowners and residents by establishing minimum construction standards.
  • Building codes also provide uniformity in the construction industry.
  • Building codes embrace all aspects of construction. They set minimum standards for materials, structural elements, fire prevention, plumbing and sanitation, radon reduction and the electrical and mechanical systems in a home.
  • Building codes are adopted by a legislative body, then enacted to regulate building construction within a particular jurisdiction, such as a township, city, county, or state.

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Which Codes Address Radon-Resistant Techniques for New Homes?

The most common residential codes that address radon-resistant building techniques are:

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Adopt an RRNC Building Code

Your municipality, county, or state can choose to adopt a code (or standard) that covers radon-resistant new construction, authored by one of several organizations. For details on national radon standards, or standards that relate to new homes in your area, visit the Web sites of the three organizations listed below.

  1. ASTM International Exit(replaces EPA's previous Model Building Techniques and Standards)

While following any of the three primary codes that include radon resistant construction is sufficient to qualify for the Directory of Radon Builders, EPA believes that ASTM E1465-08 has some advantages over the other codes. Using ASTM E1465-08:

  • Allows more flexibility of installation
  • Provides a more effective radon reduction system
  • Increases the life expectancy and durability of mechanical equipment
  • Guarantees results from required testing
  1. The International Code Council (ICC) Exit
  • Here you can find the International Residential Code (IRC), which includes Appendix F−Radon Control Methods. The code can also be purchased at:
  1. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Exit
  • The NFPA codes Exit and standards are available in read-only format on line

For more information on radon codes for new homes in your area, contact your state building code association.

Code Adoption: The Process and Examples of Successful Code Adoptions

Step 1 - Who initiates the code adoption process?

A member of the local building department or an elected member of the town council proposes adopting the updated or new version of a building code that governs new homes, including radon-resistant new construction.

or

A concerned citizen launches the process by bringing the need for a code that mandates radon-resistant new construction to the attention of elected or appointed officials in the jurisdiction.

Step 1 is illustrated by Manhattan, KS - Code Adoption in Manhattan, KS

Step 2 - Community Education and Buy-in from Stakeholders

The codes committee, composed of government officials, decides on a process for reviewing new or revised building codes. This may involve meeting with and organizing workshops for builders and other interested parties. Including stakeholders in the education and discussion process early on is vital to the successful adoption of a new code. These parties include:

  1. Local code officials from the building department
  2. Local builders
  3. The mayor
  4. Government representatives
  5. Representatives from the code organization (ICC, ASTM, or NFPA)
  6. Local health officials
  7. Prospective new home buyers
  8. Home inspectors

Step 2 is illustrated by the examples of Successful RRNC Code Adoption listed below.

Step 3 - Adoption by Local Jurisdiction

The codes committee, or the council member supporting the new or revised code, recommends adoption to the town council. The codes, including the sections on radon-resistant new construction, are discussed in a public meeting before the council makes a final decision (votes).

Examples of Successful RRNC Code Adoptions include:

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Listing of States and Jurisdictions with RRNC Codes

To the best of EPA’s knowledge, the list of jurisdictions by state represents the state and local codes that require the use of radon resistant construction techniques in new homes. Note: These codes were in force in the jurisdictions named as of February, 2009. Links to state web sites, policies and codes are provided as were available at the time of the data collection, we intend to update this information periodically (last updated on November 18, 2013).

If you have information about regulations in your state or your jurisdiction that relate to radon resistant new construction techniques that are not on this list, or if you believe that this list contains inaccurate information, please write to us at rrnc@epa.gov.

  • Twenty (20) States and three (3) Districts/Territories do not have statewide or local jurisdictions that have RRNC Codes.
  • Seven (7) states have statewide RRNC Codes that apply to certain designated jurisdictions.
  • Nineteen (19) states do not have statewide RRNC codes, but do have local jurisdictions that have RRNC codes
  • Four (4) states do have statewide RRNC Codes, but local jurisdictions must adopt them.

Many of the following links exit the site Exit

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  • Alabama
    State of Alabama No Statewide code for RRNC
    City of Decatur Adopted IRC Appendix F in 2002. All new single and two-family dwellings must include a passive system.
    City of Falkville and Hartselle Adopted IRC Appendix F in 2003. All new single and two-family dwellings must include a passive system.
    City of Muscle Shoals and Sheffield Adopted IRC Appendix F in 2005. All new single and two-family dwellings must include a passive system.
  • California
    State of California Radon testing, mitigation plans for new construction. Building permits not issued until compliance met. California Health & Safety Code § 105430
    State Department of Health State Department of Health has the authority to adopt E PA RRNC standards unless the Department of Housing and Community Development adopts standards, in which case only the latter standards may be adopted; California Health and Safety Code — Section 105430 (a)
  • Colorado
    State of Colorado No Statewide code for RRNC
    City of Aspen Adopted Appendix F 2003 IRC for all new residential construction and additions.
    City of Fort Collins Adopted IRC Appendix F with local amendment in 2005 and extended RRNC requirements to multi-family dwellings in 2008. All new single and multi-family dwellings must include a passive system. See Fort Collins Municipal Code section 5-30 (102) for single-family and section 5-27 (45) for multi-family requirements. Commercial dwellings comply with 2006 International Building Code radon standards.
    Cities of Dillon, Frisco, Golden, Gunnison, Lakewood, La Veta, Longmont, Ridgway, Silverthorne, Sterling, Superior, Trinidad, Vail and Walsenburg. Counties of Archuleta, Boulder, Breckenridge, Eagle, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Las Animas, Logan, Pitkin and Summit. Require RRNC per Appendix F of the IRC
  • Florida
    State of Florida In July 1995, Florida adopted the "Florida Standard for Passive Radon-Resistant New Residential Building Construction" as mandated in Part X, Chapter 553, Florida Statutes.
      Standard is not mandatory and must be adopted by local jurisdictions, but can be exceeded as well; (1) Florida Statutes Ann. § 404.059 (2) Florida Statutes Ann. § 553.98 Florida State RRNC Codes
    Charlotte County Appendix F of IRC adopted; Article IV, Building Regulations, Sec. 3-2-66
    Seminole County Radon-Resistant Building Standards adopted; Code of Ordinances, Part 4, Building Code; Ord. No. 73-10, § 50, 8-28-73; Ord. No. 73-10A, § 2(a), 11-19-73)
    City of Dunnellon Radon-resistant building mandatory for new construction; Division 1, Generally, Section 98-138; (Code 1985, § 22-48)
    City of Hialeah Gardens Enforcing the Radon Resistant New Construction annex in the Florida State Building Code
    City of Jacksonville Construction in passive radon area limits; Part I, Administration; Sec. 8-2; (Ord. No. 01-112, § 1, 7-10-01)
    City of Lauderdale Lakes Enforcing the Radon Resistant New Construction annex in the Florida State Building Code
    City of Miami Appendix F of IRC adopted; Article I, Administration; Sec 8-2
    City of Pensacola Radon resistant construction standards adopted; Code of Ordinances, Article I. In General, Sec. 14-1-3. (Ord. No. 19-02, § 1, 9-12-02)
    City of Sanibel (Sanibel Island) Radon-Resistant Building Standards adopted; Code of Ordinances, Article V. Standards, Sec. 14-211. (Code 1981, § 7-56; Ord. No. 97-18, §§ 1, 2, 11-4-1997; Ord. No. 00-17, § 1, 8-1-2000)
    City of St. Augustine Radon-Resistant Building Accepted as standard; Article II, Adopted Building Codes, Sec 8-105-108
  • Idaho
    State of Idaho No statewide code for RRNC
    Blaine County Ordinance Number 20004-05 established the adoption of Appendix F of the IRC in December 2004.
    City of Tetonia Ordinance no. 2003-1 established the adoption of IRC Appendix F in March of 2003, with Sections G2406.2 (303.3) 3-4; G2443 (620); and Chapters 26-42 omitted.
  • Illinois
    State of Illinois The State of IL has a stae wide code.State of IL state-wide RRNC code..
    Kendall County Adopted Appendix F 2003 IRC
    City of Downers Grove Adopted IEMA 32 Illinois Administrative Code 422.160 Regulations for Radon Service Providers
    City of Elgin Adopted IRC Appendix F in 2005 City of Elgin RRNC Codes
    City of Montgomery New houses = radon ventilation system; Code of Ordinances, Article I. In General, Sec. 6-14; (Ord. No. 1149, § 1, 10-25-04)
    City of Niles Radon resistant construction required if needed; Code of Ordinances, Article II, Building Codes, Sec 18-27, (Ord. No. 2005-06, § 2, 3-22-05)
    City of Plainfield Crawl spaces and basements shall have a vapor barrier.; Code of Ordinances, Division 2. One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Sec. 2.5-35; (Ord. No. 1858, § I, 6-7-99; Ord. No. 1872, § I, 7-26-99)
    City of Sterling Appendix F, Radon Controlled Methods adopted; Code of Ordinances, Division I, Generally, Sec 18-29, (Code 1982, § 6-19; Ord. No. 99-8-17, § I, 8-17-99; Ord. No. 2004-5-14, § II, 5-17-04)
    City of Streator Appendix F, Radon Control Methods adopted; (Ord. 2004/05-42 § 1 (part))
    City of Yorkville Adopted IRC Appendix F
  • Iowa
    State of Iowa No statewide code for RRNC
    Johnson County Adopted 2003 IRC Appendix F (2004)
    Muscatine County Winter 2007 adopted 2006 IRC, Appendix F; previously operated under 2000 IRC, which was originally adopted in 2004.
    Shelby County In August 2004, Ordinance 2004-3 outlined RRNC requirements in the county.
    City of Coralville Adopted IRC 2003, Appendix F all residential buildings
    Cities of Harlan and Muscatine IRC Appendix F
    City of Iowa City Ordinance No. 02-4033 (PDF) (14 pp, 927K, About PDF) passed in 2002 adopts Appendix F.
    City of North Liberty Adopted IRC, including Appendix F (July 2005). Mandatory for all new residential buildings to include a passive system.
  • Kansas
    State of Kansas No Statewide code for RRNC
    City of Manhattan Adopted IRC Appendix F
    The City of Lawrence Adopted IRC Appendix F. City of Lawrence City Codes (PDF)(About PDF)
  • Maine
    State of Maine If a municipality determines that a radon code or standard for new residential construction must be adopted by that municipality, that municipality must adopt a radon code or standard recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials or a successor organization. Currently, this code is ASTM 1465. Maine RRNC Codes
  • Maryland
    State of Maryland Md. Public Safety Code §§12-503 Go to the Code page
    Md. Admin. Code §05.02.07.04(C)(1) Go to the Code page
    Baltimore County Adopted IRC 2003, Appendix F, and currently in the process of switching to IRC 2006
    Frederick County In April 2002, adopted IRC Appendix F with minor local amendment Fredrick County RRNC Codes
    Howard County Radon control methods prescribed in Appendix F, shall apply to the construction of a new residential building; Code of Ordinances, Subtitle I: Building Code, Section 3.102; (C.B. 47, 2000; C.B. 16, 2001; C.B. 53, 2004; C.B. 4, 2005, § 2)
    Montgomery County IRC 2003 Appendix F
    Washington County Ordinance enacted on July 26, 2005 to adopt 2003 IRC including Appendix F, Radon Control Measures. Guidance for RRNC for Zone 1 designation as determined by locally available data or Figure AF101 (EPA Radon Zone Map), but not mandatory in county.
    City of Rockville In 1995, Rockville, Md., adopted and amended its one- and two-family dwelling code. This regulation requires radon mitigation in newly constructed detached and semi-detached single-family dwellings and townhouses (single family dwellings attached side to side). The requirement also includes basement and ground floor additions to existing dwellings, as well as conversions of grade-slab garages, carports, porches, etc. to living space.
  • Massachusetts
    State of Massachusetts No statewide code for RRNC
    County of Essex Adopted IRC Appendix F
    County of Middlesex Adopted IRC Appendix F
    County of Worcester Adopted IRC Appendix F
  • Michigan
    State of Michigan Michigan requires RRNC (IRC Appendix F) in nine Zone 1 counties as follows: Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, St. Joseph, and Washtenaw. Michigan RRNC Web site
      Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) MSHDA requires a site-specific environmental screening for all development proposals being considered for financing, which includes RRNC in Zone 1 areas. Michigan RRNC Codes
  • Minnesota
    State of Minnesota Effective August 2007, the commissioner of labor and industry shall adopt rules for radon control as part of the State Building Code for all new residential buildings.
      These rules shall incorporate the radon control methods found in the IRC Appendix F as the model language, with necessary amendments to coordinate with the other adopted construction codes in Minnesota. Minnesota RRNC Codes
  • Missouri
    State of Missouri No statewide code for RRNC
    City of Columbia Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Smithville Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of St. Joseph Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Grain Valley Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Kearney Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Maryville Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Brentwood Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Berkley Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Mound City Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of St. Louis City Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of O’Fallon Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Weatherby Lake Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Webster Groves Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Wentzville Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Independence Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Raymore Adopted IRC Appendix F
    Clay County Adopted IRC Appendix F
    Jackson County Adopted IRC Appendix F
    Platte County Adopted IRC Appendix F
  • Montana
    State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality MT DEQ has established a long-term goal for the adoption of RRNC code (such as the CABO code). Montana Radon Guidelines (PDF)(About PDF)
    City of Billings Analysis of ventilation and radon; Code of Ordinances, Appendix F Required Supporting Documents for Major/Minor Preliminary Plat Locations
  • Nebraska
    State of Nebraska No statewide code for RRNC
    Cities of Hastings, McCook, Carol, Madison, Norfolk, Pender and Stanton Enforces IRC Appendix F
    City of Wayne Enforces passive radon resistant new construction techniques as part of building code
  • New Jersey
    State of New Jersey New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) N.J.A.C. 5:23-10 requires that all buildings of use Group E and R as defined by the building sub code must be built using RRNC if they are in Tier 1 municipalities as listed in the sub code.
      Applies to 8 municipalities: Greenwich Township, Hardyston Township, Mine Hill Township, Pilesgrove Township, Washington Township, Woolwich Township, Riverdale Borough, Swedesboro Borough. A municipality is defined as Tier 1 if 25% or more of the homes tested in the municipality have radon concentrations of 4 pCi/L or higher.
      26:2D-80 -- The Department of Community Affairs is authorized to enter into an agreement with a public or private agency to carry out testing for radon gas and radon progeny at the sites of residential dwellings, the construction of which is in progress or commences on or after the effective date of this act, and to provide funding for that testing, provided that each $1.00 of that funding is matched by $1.00 from other public or private sources. NJ Radon Hazard Subcodes (PDF)www.njradon.org(About PDF)
  • New Mexico
    State of New Mexico No statewide code for RRNC
    City of Alamogordo Radon Control Methods (Appendix F) adopted; Code of Ordinances; Article 8-03, Sec. 8-03-30; (Ord. No. 1114, § 6, 3-27-01; Ord. No. 1189, § 5, 12-9-03)
  • New York
    State of New York No statewide code for RRNC
    City of Caledonia Radon Control Methods adopted: Local Law No. 2 of the Year 2000 Radon Control Methods Section 95-100 through 95-103.11
    City of Lima Radon Control Methods adopted: Local Law No. 1 of the Year 2000 Radon Control Methods Chapter 200
  • Ohio
    State of Ohio No statewide code for RRNC
    City of Canal Winchester Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Dublin Title XV, Chp. 150, § 0.001 in Dublin’s Code of Ordinances establishes the adoption of IRC Appendix F www.amlegal.com/nxt/
  • Oklahoma
    State of Oklahoma No statewide code for RRNC
    Oklahoma City Radon Control Methods (Appendix F) adopted; Code of Ordinances, Article III, Residential Construction, (Code 1980, § 12-84; Ord. No. 19060, § 1, 8-30-88; Ord. No. 19609, § 1, 7-9-91; Ord. No. 20620, § 1, 7-9-96)
  • Oregon
    State of Oregon Oregon has adopted the 2009 IRC Appendix F with certain modifications for R-3 occupancies.
      In addition, we have adopted a new section 1812 in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) using Appendix F as a model. The OSSC is based on the 2009 IBC.
    This was done at the direction of the Oregon legislature for listed counties and specific to R-3 and R-2 residential occupancies with an effective date of April 1, 2011. Radon mitigation measures are also required for all new public buildings effective April 1, 2013. The legislature directed the Building Codes Division to adopt these standards as of January 1, 2011. Link to the backgrounder and code sections adopted.
    Counties of Baker, Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, Polk, ashdngdon and Yamhill Adopted 2009 IRC Appendix F. Additional counties may be added as specified in Chapter 83, 2010 Oregon Laws (Senate Bill 1025), Section 2.
  • Pennsylvania
    State of Pennsylvania No statewide code for RRNC
    Townships of Amity,

    East Earl, East Hempfield, Ephrata, Hanover, Manheim, Martinsburg Borough; Mount Pleasant. Peters, Pequea, and Warrington, West Hempfield. City of Easton.

    		 Adopted IRC Appendix F
  • Rhode Island
    State of Rhode Island Radon-resistant construction standards; Regulations establishing radon standards for air and water; Rhode Island General Laws §§ 23- 61 et seq.
  • South Carolina
    State of South Carolina No statewide code for RRNC
    Greenville County As a Zone 1 county, has been implementing RRNC under the IRC. South Carolina RRNC Codes
  • Tennessee
    State of Tennessee No statewide code for RRNC
    City of Brentwood August 8, 1999 City of Brentwood became first city in TN to adopt RRNC code. Requires "passive radon barriers in all new construction" City of Brentwood RRNC Codes (PDF)(About PDF)
  • Virginia
    Commonwealth of Virginia Authorizes state to promulgate a Uniform State-wide Building Code. Enforces the radon-resistant new construction provision; Virginia Code Ann. § 36- 98. The 2003 Edition of the Virginia Construction Code (effective 11/16/05) requires group R-3 and R-4 structures to meet requirements of Appendix F of IRC Virginia State RRNC Codes (PDF)(About PDF)
    State of Virginia - 2000 Uniform Building Code R329.1. General. Following official action under Article 7 (§ 15.2-2280 et seq.) of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia by a locality in areas of high radon potential, as indicated by Zone 1 on the U.S. EPA Map of Radon Zones (IRC Figure AF101), such locality shall enforce the provisions contained in Appendix F. Exemption: Buildings or portions thereof with crawl space foundations which are ventilated to the exterior, shall not be required to provide radon-resistant construction.
    Rockbridge County Amended the Land Development Regulations, Section 802, Zoning and Building Permit Procedures, to add 802.02-3 (g) Radon Resistant Construction, as a provision for all new one and two family dwellings constructed in the County, in accordance with R329.1 of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, October 25, 2004.
    Shenandoah County Adopted IRC Appendix F
    City of Blacksburg Radon-resistant construction required for climatic and geographic design; Code of Ordinances, Article II, Uniform State-wide Building Code, Section 6-208
  • Washington
    State of Washington Requirement for maintaining indoor air quality in newly constructed residences, indoor pollutant source control, minimize radon through construction; Revised Code of Washington § 19.27. 190 (applies to Zone 1 counties including Ferry County, Okanaogan County, Pend Orielle County, Skamania County, Spokane County, and Stevens County). Rev. Code Wash. 19.27.031, 19.27.074 Exit Wash. Admin. Code 51-51-60101
  • West Virginia
    State of West Virginia No statewide code for RRNC
    Berkeley County Berkeley County’s Building Code Ordinance revised June of 06 adopted IRC Appendix F.
    Jefferson County On May 15 2006, adopted a building code enforcement ordinance resolution to adopt IRC Appendix F effective October 2006.
  • Wisconsin
    State of Wisconsin No statewide code for RRNC
    City of Madison Protection from radon gas = building standard; Code of Ordinances, 4.22 - The Madison Affordable Housing Trust Fund

    ;

  • Wyoming
    State of Wyoming No statewide code for RRNC
    Teton County § 6, subsection B of the County’s Building Codes Resolution adopts IRC Appendix F Building Codes Resolution (PDF)(About PDF)

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