Legislative Trends: Applying the IRC to 3- and 4-Unit Residential Buildings

In 2025, several states and local jurisdictions have either adopted or are actively exploring policies that allow 3- and 4-unit residential buildings to be constructed under the International Residential Code (IRC), rather than the more complex International Building Code (IBC). This shift is often part of broader efforts to address the national housing shortage and promote “missing middle” housing—affordable, small-scale multifamily units that fit within existing neighborhoods.

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