Overton Park Committee proposes adoption of 2024 International Building Codes

In a pivotal government meeting on July 2, 2025, Overland Park officials took significant steps towards enhancing public safety by proposing the adoption of the 2024 International Building Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code. This move aims to replace the outdated 2018 codes currently in use, ensuring that the community benefits from the latest safety standards in construction.

Jim Brown, the city's building official, led the discussion, emphasizing the importance of updating the codes to provide the highest level of public safety. He noted that the staff had conducted a thorough review and found minimal amendments necessary, primarily of an administrative nature. The proposal includes forming two task forces: one for commercial codes and another for residential codes, which will involve various stakeholders, including representatives from the American Institute of Architects and the Home Builders Association.

The meeting also highlighted the city's tradition of updating building codes every six years, rather than the national standard of every three years, due to the extensive time and resources required for such updates. Officials expressed a commitment to integrating sustainability into the code update process, with the city's sustainability division participating in all task force meetings.

In a related discussion, a suggestion was made to adopt the 2024 International Green Construction Code as an optional path for builders, further enhancing the city’s commitment to sustainable development.

As Overland Park moves forward with these updates, the community can expect improved safety standards and a more sustainable approach to building practices. The city plans to return to the Community Development Committee with two separate ordinances addressing the commercial and residential codes, marking a significant step towards modernizing Overland Park's building regulations.