Thursday, March 26, 9:00am–4:00pm ET | Online | 6 HSW/LUs (pending approval)
(1-hour break around noon. Precise time not guaranteed.)
Significant Changes to the 2025 NYS Uniform & Energy Codes – Spring 2026
The 2025 editions of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the Energy Conservation Construction Code have been in effect since December 31, 2025, introducing substantial changes that directly affect life safety, accessibility, structural integrity, energy performance, fire protection, and occupant health.
This comprehensive six-hour program examines the most significant revisions between the 2020 and 2025 codes, with focused analysis of updates to the Building, Fire, Existing Building, Residential, Energy, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fuel Gas Codes. The course also reviews key modifications to ICC A117.1 (2009 to 2017 with Supplement 1), clarifying accessibility compliance requirements and their implications for design practice.
Participants will evaluate how these changes alter code application, documentation standards, and construction practices. Emphasis will be placed on provisions that directly impact occupant safety, egress, fire resistance, structural design, accessibility, energy efficiency, and system performance. By the conclusion of the program, attendees will be better prepared to apply the 2025 NYS codes in project planning and documentation, reduce compliance risks, and safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants across residential, commercial, and mixed-use occupancies.
▼Learning Objectives
- Interpret amended rule text and official NYS Department of State guidance related to the 2025 NYS Uniform & Energy Codes and apply these interpretations to code compliance decisions.
- Analyze significant changes between the 2020 and 2025 BCNYS affecting definitions, building height and area, occupancy classifications, construction types, and passive and active fire protection systems, and evaluate their impact on life safety.
- Apply revised means of egress, accessibility, structural, special construction, and life-safety provisions in Chapters 16–35 of the 2025 BCNYS, including major changes between the 2009 and 2017 (with Supplement 1) ICC A117.1 standards.
- Assess major updates in the 2025 Fire Code and Existing Building Code of NYS, with particular attention to hazard mitigation, renovation triggers, and compliance pathways affecting occupant safety.
- Evaluate changes in the 2025 Residential and Energy Conservation Construction Codes of NYS and determine how updated energy efficiency and envelope performance standards affect occupant health, building durability, and long-term operational performance.
- Identify critical revisions to the 2025 Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fuel Gas Codes of NYS and integrate updated system design requirements that support safe, code-compliant building operation.
Instructor: Laura M. Cooney, AIA
Laura M. Cooney, AIA, has more than 30 years of combined experience in architecture, management, code consulting, and code training. Her architectural experience consists mainly of health care, governmental, and commercial facilities. Laura has successfully designed and presented many programs covering code training for the transition to new code editions in NYS, overview courses, and more detailed or custom courses. The presentations are geared toward design professionals and AIA chapters around the state, but facility personnel, contractors, and owners also benefit from the information provided.
Registration Fees: AIA Member $115 | Non-member $175