Kerrville council approves updated building code policy for streamlined development

Kerrville City Council has taken a significant step towards modernizing its building regulations by approving a new building code update policy during their meeting on June 10, 2025. This resolution aims to streamline development processes and ensure that local codes align with national standards, ultimately facilitating smoother development and redevelopment in the city.

The policy, which was previously discussed in a workshop and refined with input from the Building Board of Appeals and Adjustments, proposes to update building codes every six years, aligning with the International Code Council's (ICC) code cycles. This approach allows the building community adequate time to adapt to new standards while ensuring that safety and innovation in construction are prioritized.

Currently, Kerrville operates under the 2018 building code, adopted in 2021. With the new policy, the city plans to consider the 2024 codes in 2026 and the 2030 codes in 2032. This timeline reflects a commitment to keeping local regulations current with evolving safety standards and construction practices.

City officials emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory requirements with economic impacts on the building community and consumers. The policy aims to provide clear guidelines for permits while considering the availability of materials and construction costs.

As the city moves forward with this policy, it is expected to enhance the efficiency of development services and support the growth of Kerrville in alignment with the Kerrville 2050 action plan. The council remains open to feedback from the building community as they implement these changes, ensuring that public safety and economic viability go hand in hand.