Lawrence board names chair, vice chair and begins 2024 ICC code adoption process

The City of Lawrence Building Code Review Board re-elected Sarah Jane as chair and selected Adrian Jones as vice chair on a 9-0 vote during a meeting that also served as the kickoff for the city’s move toward adopting the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) model codes.

The vote capped a meeting focused on the board’s implementation schedule for updating local codes after the city skipped the 2021 cycle; staff said they intend to advance the 2024 code adoption through drafting and public vetting this year and pursue city commission readings and adoption in 2026. Brian, a city staff member coordinating the process, opened the discussion by saying, “the main reason we're here today is to talk about our implementation schedule,” and described the memo staff circulated to board members that outlines leads, dates and next steps.

Why it matters: The board oversees appeals, code interpretations and recommendations for local adoption of building-related model codes; changes affect builders, permit applicants, inspectors and construction projects across Lawrence. Board members and staff repeatedly emphasized the need for clear communication and shared…