Cave Creek runs the 2024 residential code but kept the 2018 edition's energy chapter, and for window specification that swap is the detail that matters. U-factor and solar heat gain compliance runs off the older chapter rather than the one bound into the code the town otherwise adopted. The exempt-work list is three items long, and the words glass, glazing and window do not appear in it.
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Cave Creek adopted the 2024 IRC and 2024 IBC by reference, effective 1 January 2026, most recently amended by Ordinance 2025-08 in November 2025. It then replaced IRC Chapter 11, Energy Efficiency, with the 2018 IRC's Chapter 11. So U-factor and solar heat gain compliance for a replacement window runs off the older chapter, not the one bound into the code the town otherwise adopted.
Cave Creek's amended exempt-work list covers accessory structures up to 200 square feet, "fences not over 7 feet (2.13 m) high. (All pool barriers require a permit.)", and uncovered decks up to 200 square feet no more than 30 inches above grade. The words glass, glazing and window don't appear in the section.
The town's Building and Fire Code Compliance Division is the office that can confirm how that applies to a specific job.
Cave Creek's energy chapter and its exempt list both differ from what a contractor working the wider metro will assume.
The 2018 one. The town adopted the 2024 IRC and IBC by reference, effective 1 January 2026, then replaced IRC Chapter 11 on energy efficiency with the 2018 IRC's Chapter 11. U-factor and solar heat gain compliance runs off the older chapter.
The exempt-work list does not answer it. That list is three items long, covering accessory structures up to 200 square feet, fences not over 7 feet with all pool barriers requiring a permit, and uncovered decks up to 200 square feet no more than 30 inches above grade. Glass, glazing and window do not appear in it.
The town's Building and Fire Code Compliance Division. With no published window exemption to rely on, that call is the only reliable answer in advance.
The 2024 IRC and 2024 IBC, adopted by reference effective 1 January 2026 and most recently amended by Ordinance 2025-08 in November 2025.
Because it sets the performance numbers a replacement window has to hit. A contractor quoting to the 2024 chapter is quoting to a standard Cave Creek did not adopt.