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Southaven adopts 2024 building and fire codes; city says changes phased in before enforcement
Summary
The Board of Aldermen voted to adopt the 2024 building code and 2024 fire code after consultations with builders and neighboring jurisdictions; officials said the codes will not take effect immediately and will preserve the city's existing sprinkler ordinance.
The Southaven Board of Aldermen adopted resolutions to bring the city into alignment with the 2024 building code and the 2024 fire code, actions the board approved unanimously on Sept. 30.
City staff told the board the draft codes were reviewed with the mayor's office and the building department and that builders across the area were given opportunities to comment. Staff said the adoption was presented with certain appendix exceptions and that the city’s separate sprinkler ordinance remains in effect.
A staff member noted the change is intended to promote consistency across nearby jurisdictions and to reduce complexity for builders who work in multiple cities. “It makes it easier for everybody if they … have consistency throughout,” the staff member said during the discussion.
Officials told the board the new codes will be phased in and will not go into effect immediately; staff cited an effective date at or after Jan. 1, 2026 to allow time for implementation and to align with local processes. The board approved both resolutions by roll call vote.
Why it matters: adopting modern building and fire codes affects permitting, inspections and construction standards across the city and can influence insurance and development costs for builders and property owners.
