# International Residential Code > The 2009 International Residential Code, the basis for North Carolina's residential code. Covers the design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/north-carolina/irc-2009/ - Last updated: 2026-06-23 ## Direct answer and reference scope International Residential Code is presented here as a reference within the IRC 2009 collection for North Carolina. The 2009 International Residential Code, the basis for North Carolina's residential code. Covers the design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Use the [ICC North Carolina code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/north-carolina) to confirm the code edition currently adopted for the project, and compare the model text with state amendments, local amendments, effective dates and the permit authority's interpretation. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) is the model-code publication path. This Harth page is a searchable reference transcription, not an official code publication, legal opinion or confirmation that this edition controls a particular address. Record the project jurisdiction, application date, occupancy, construction type and amendment set before relying on a section. Where this page conflicts with an official publication or the authority having jurisdiction, the official source controls. _Authored and prepared by Harth. Review scope: official verification path added; code text and current local applicability have not been independently reviewed._ The International Residential Code (IRC) is a standalone, comprehensive code for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories tall. North Carolina's residential code is based on the 2009 IRC with state amendments. The full text below is reproduced from the edition as adopted into law, sourced from public.resource.org, and covers building planning, structural provisions, energy, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical requirements for homes. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fbuilding-codes%2Fus-states%2Fnorth-carolina%2Firc-2009%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/north-carolina/irc-2009/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt