Sparks City Council debates adoption of updated building codes effective January 2026

The Sparks City Council convened on April 14, 2025, for a public hearing and second reading regarding Bill Number 2831, which proposes significant amendments to Title 15 of the Sparks Municipal Code concerning buildings and construction. The proposed changes aim to adopt the 2024 editions of various international codes, including the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and National Electrical Code, among others, with an effective date set for January 1, 2026.

Aaron Viviano, the building plans examiner for the city, presented the staff's recommendation to adopt these updated codes, emphasizing their importance in establishing minimum safety standards and safeguarding public welfare. He noted that the current codes in use are from 2018, and the adoption of the new codes would enhance structural integrity and safety across various systems, including plumbing and electrical.

Viviano highlighted that the proposed amendments include the removal of outdated appendices and the addition of provisions for indoor horticulture facilities, reflecting evolving industry practices. He also discussed the collaborative effort behind the Northern Nevada amendments, which involved input from over 80 industry stakeholders and aimed to ensure consistency in code application across jurisdictions in Northern Nevada.

Key changes to the energy code were also addressed, including the removal of a mandate for power generation on new commercial buildings and a shift to a less costly method of energy monitoring. These amendments have been reviewed and approved by the Governor's Office of Energy, ensuring compliance with state energy savings requirements.

Council members engaged in discussions regarding the specifics of Chapter 5 of the proposed Wildland Urban Interface Code, which outlines construction standards to mitigate fire hazards. Viviano explained that this chapter includes guidelines for fire-rated construction and protective measures against sparks and embers.

The council is expected to vote on the adoption of the new codes and amendments in the coming weeks, with a grace period allowing for the use of either the 2018 or 2024 codes until the end of 2025. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing building safety and adapting to contemporary construction practices.