AIA Indiana Legislative E-Newsletter

July 24, 2026

Plan Review/Self-Certification and Building Code Update

Indiana Plan Review/Self-Certification - Effective July 1, 2026, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) implemented a plan review self-certification pathway that allows IDHS to issue a design release without conducting a plan review for projects signed and sealed by a qualified design professional. To be eligible, the design professional must have at least five years of experience, have served as the design professional of record on at least five Indiana projects, maintain the required professional liability insurance, and certify that the project complies with all applicable building and fire safety laws. CLICK HERE to learn more.

This new self-certification pathway for licensed architects and professional engineers was developed with the leadership and support of AIA Indiana and enacted through HEA 1003 during the 2026 legislative session. The law allows an Indiana-licensed design professional to self-certify that a construction project complies with applicable building codes when submitting a design release application to IDHS. Upon receipt of a complete self-certified application, IDHS is required to issue the design release no later than the next business day.

This represents a meaningful shift in Indiana's design release process. While IDHS retains its oversight authority, the statute places increased trust and responsibility in licensed design professionals to certify compliance with applicable codes. AIA Indiana worked diligently to ensure the legislation recognizes the competency, education, licensure, and professional accountability of licensed architects and engineers while maintaining appropriate protections for public health, safety, and welfare.

The self-certification pathway modernizes Indiana's design release process without weakening building safety standards. It preserves professional accountability, provides a faster, optional path for qualifying projects, and allows IDHS to focus its plan review resources on projects that require additional regulatory oversight.

Indiana Building Code Update Process Continues - Indiana's comprehensive building code update continues to move forward under the leadership of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). The Building and Fire Code Update Committees have completed their reviews of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and forwarded their recommended Indiana-specific amendments to the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission for formal rulemaking. Meanwhile, the Electrical Code Update Committee is advancing the adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) through the rulemaking process.

The current Indiana codes remain in effect until the rulemaking process is complete and the updated codes are formally adopted. Indiana's administrative rulemaking process is lengthy, and AIA Indiana anticipates these three new codes will not be formally adopted and implemented until mid-2027 at the earliest.

AIA Indiana continues to actively participate in the code development process to help ensure Indiana's building regulations remain practical, technically sound, and focused on protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare. Members are encouraged to monitor the code update process and submit comments once the Commission schedules public hearings for the fire and building codes. CLICK HERE to learn more.

The adoption of updated model codes provides an opportunity to incorporate the latest advancements in building safety, resilience, accessibility, sustainability, and construction technology while ensuring Indiana's amendments remain practical and appropriate for Indiana's design and construction industry.

The Building Code and Fire Code Update Committees met dozens of times over the past two years to review the 2024 International Building Code chapter by chapter. Multiple public meetings were held, and draft amendments continue to be refined before final consideration by the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission.

The electrical code update has advanced furthest in the rulemaking process. IDHS has proposed replacing Indiana's current 2009 Indiana Electrical Code with a new 2026 Indiana Electrical Code based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). The first public comment period closed in April 2026, and the initial public hearing has already been conducted and the final public hearing was recently held on July 23. The Commission will now consider revisions before adopting a final rule.

AIA Indiana will continue to actively participate in the rulemaking process and keep members informed as these important code updates move toward final adoption.

Support ARCHPAC — Strengthen Our Voice at the Statehouse - The importance of our participation in the political process has never been more important. Some AIA members contribute $25 a month to help support AIA Indiana’s efforts. Others make annual donations. The choice is yours. Please contribute to the Architects for Indiana Political Action Committee (ARCHPAC). We need your help to strengthen our efforts to advocate for good design while also standing up for our profession!

CLICK HERE to donate online.

CLICK HERE to donate by check/mail.

AIA Indiana / jshelley@aiaindiana.org / 317-634-6993 / www.aiaindiana.org