Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.211
DEFINITIONS.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.211. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "International Residential Code" means the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings promulgated by the International Code Council.(2) "National Electrical Code" means the electrical code published by the National Fire Protection Association.(3) "Residential" means having the character of a detached one-family or two-family dwelling or a multiple single-family dwelling that is not more than three stories high with separate means of egress, including the accessory structures of the dwelling, and that does not have the character of a facility used for the accommodation of transient guests or a structure in which medical, rehabilitative, or assisted living services are provided in connection with the occupancy of the structure.(4) "International Building Code" means the International Building Code promulgated by the International Code Council.(5) "Commercial" means a building for the use or occupation of people for:(A) a public purpose or economic gain; or(B) a residence if the building is a multifamily residence that is not defined as residential by this section.(6) "Residential energy backup system" means a backup energy system installed at a residential property that is capable of providing no more than 50 kilowatts of electricity to the residence or has a storage capacity of no more than 100 kilowatt hours. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 120, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 389 (S.B. 1458), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2006.Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 356 (S.B. 1252), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.
Section 214.211 of the Texas Local Government Code establishes the key terms used throughout its subchapter on residential and commercial building regulation. It draws a distinction between 'residential' structures—generally detached one- or two-family dwellings and low-rise multi-unit buildings up to three stories—and 'commercial' structures, which include larger multifamily buildings and those used for public or economic purposes. The section also defines the governing codes (International Residential Code, International Building Code, and National Electrical Code) and introduces the term 'residential energy backup system' for smaller backup power installations at homes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Sec. 214.211, property owners and managers should understand how their buildings are classified, since the 'residential' versus 'commercial' designation determines which building code standards apply to their property. A detached one- or two-family home or a three-story-or-under multi-unit building with separate egress generally falls under the 'residential' definition, while larger multifamily properties typically fall under 'commercial.' Operators who install backup power equipment at residential properties should also note the specific capacity thresholds—no more than 50 kilowatts of output or 100 kilowatt-hours of storage—that define a 'residential energy backup system' under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Sec. 214.211 sets out the foundational definitions that shape how Texas municipalities regulate the buildings where people live, which can affect what code standards apply to a tenant's home. Knowing whether a property is classified as 'residential' or 'commercial' under this provision can be relevant when a tenant believes their building is not meeting applicable code requirements, since different codes govern each category. Tenants who have concerns about building conditions may find it useful to contact their local municipal code enforcement office or a tenant-rights organization to understand how these definitions apply to their housing situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation