Brentwood opens 90-day public comment period on adopting 2024 ICC codes

The Brentwood Board of Aldermen opened and closed a public hearing Sept. 15 on updating local building codes to the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) cycle and gave a first reading of Bill 6574, an ordinance to adopt technical codes and related construction provisions. City staff said the city must keep the public comment period open for 90 days before final adoption. Whitney (city staff) told the board the city is currently using the 2018 code cycle and noted that, "it's time for us to update to the 2024 codes." She said the update process has included work by the Public Works Committee, an open house attended by contractors and trade groups, and meetings with multifamily developers to gather concerns. City staff emphasized that the draft ordinance is a working document and that the city is adopting the full 2024 code cycle but is proposing to omit or modify particular provisions that would impose substantial costs without adding life-safety benefit. Whitney said examples under consideration include exempting certain non–life-safety requirements (such as some proposed lighting control requirements) and allowing alternates for chimney liners when a recent Level 2 inspection indicates the chimney is sound. Staff noted operational details and dates: the city hopes to adopt the ordinance at the Board of Aldermen meeting on Dec. 15, 2025, with implementation beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Council members said keeping to the timeline is important because the city faces an ISO (Insurance Services Office) evaluation that could affect residents’ insurance ratings if the city remains on an older code cycle. Alderman Gould asked about selecting parts of the code rather than adopting verbatim; Whitney said the city is adopting the full code cycle but selectively omitting provisions judged unnecessary or unduly costly for the local context. Staff said the public process will continue and the Planning/Building and Fire departments have reviewed life-safety provisions. The Home Builders Association had been asked for commentary but staff reported no response to date. No public speakers registered during the hearing. The public comment period will remain open for the required 90 days; staff will return with a final bill for second reading and adoption.