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 resources while they work through both technical sections (residential, commercial, energy and accessibility) and outreach to stakeholders including builders and designers.

Board elections and attendance Sarah Jane nominated herself for another one-year term as chair; the nomination was seconded and approved 9-0. Adrian Jones volunteered and was nominated and approved as vice chair by the same margin. The board confirmed that a quorum for the 11-member board is six members. Staff also announced two openings: a Class C contractor seat (appointed by the mayor) and an electrical trade seat; Bruno Myers submitted a resignation by email that the board noted was for health reasons.

Implementation timeline and process Staff described the adoption process as a staged, article-by-article review led by assigned staff and board leads. Matt Schmidt, a recently hired department staffer introduced to the board, said staff have already begun internal reviews and that formal recommendations on specific code articles will arrive after the staff-led meeting dates staff listed (examples given as 7/17 and 7/24 in the memo). Brian said the project goal is to have draft ordinance language later this year, with a realistic target of adoption and implementation in spring 2026 — potentially mid-to-late first quarter or in the second quarter of 2026 — though staff called the schedule “a moving document.”

Resources, access and costs Board members asked about access to code texts and digital resources. Staff said the city currently maintains one premium ICC digital license (which staff estimated approaches $1,000 per year) and that concurrent digital seats are limited and often in use by staff. Matt and Brian said they will procure paperback books, PDFs or targeted digital access for board members as feasible and asked members to send a “wish list” of needed code books, commentaries or significant-change documents so staff can place a single order for board and staff copies.

Energy code and stakeholder outreach Several board members flagged the energy code as likely to generate the most debate during adoption. Adrian Jones said, “Of all the codes that I think is gonna be the biggest changes is gonna be the energy code,” and others noted builders historically request many amendments to energy provisions. Staff said they plan stakeholder outreach — including with the local builders’ association — in late summer or early fall and that interested development community representatives (one staff note referenced Bobby Flory’s expected involvement when available) will be engaged as draft amendments are prepared.

Practical matters and next steps Staff emphasized routing board communications through Brian and Matt to track input and manage workload. They asked board members to identify which sections they want to lead or follow and to email requests for specific code texts. Staff said they will provide significant-change summaries, PDFs or books as available and will bring draft ordinance language to the board for full vetting before any item is sent to the City Commission for first reading. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn passed 9-0; staff reiterated that the board will continue refining their resources list and early involvement is encouraged.

Ending: The board will meet again under the same administrative process; staff asked members to return a short list of the code materials they need so staff can order books or digital access in the next one to two weeks.