Surprise staff outlines process to adopt 2024 International Codes; proposes permit exemptions for like-for-like window and HVAC replacements

City staff told the Surprise City Council at its June 3 work session that the city plans to begin a transition from the 2018 International Codes to the 2024 editions and will bring a proposed local amendment package to the council for adoption in December.

The presentation, by Mindy Davis, assistant director of the Community Development Department, explained why the city updates building and fire codes and summarized proposed local changes, regional coordination and the steps staff will follow before a final vote. “Our goal tonight is to put the transition on your radar so that when we return in a few months, you will have a foundational understanding of what to expect during the process,” Davis said.

Why it matters: the International Code Council (ICC) publishes model building and fire codes used by most U.S. jurisdictions and Surprise uses local amendments to align the base codes with regional practice and state law. Davis said the city’s draft local amendments are about 80 pages, roughly 1.7% of the ICC’s roughly 4,718 pages, and that the draft is now with the city attorney for legal review.

Key points from the presentation: - Scope and timing: Staff said the draft will be posted for public review for at least 60 days after legal review is complete, with an introduction to the Planning and Zoning Commission this week, two public outreach meetings planned in September, a council update in October and a formal adoption hearing planned for December. - Proposed local amendments: staff emphasized a general philosophy to keep the base code intact and amend only where regional practice or state law requires it. Davis said one proposed change would exempt permit requirements for replacement windows and residential HVAC replacements when the new equipment is the same size and type as the existing. “So there will not be a permit requirement for window replacements, if the amendments are adopted,” Davis said. - Regional coordination and constraints: Davis described ongoing coordination with the Maricopa-area jurisdictions, the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona and the Arizona Multi Housing Association. She noted that state law currently prevents municipalities from requiring fire sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings; the city’s draft IRC amendments reflect that requirement. Davis also said Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department retains authority over public pools, spas and hot tubs and that the city’s amendments echo that allocation of authority. - Costs: Davis estimated the city’s transition expenses at roughly $30,000 for new codebooks plus several thousand dollars for inspector and plan reviewer training.

Council questions during the session focused on cost, the extent of changes from the prior code cycle and whether the proposed permit exemptions would reduce fee revenue. Councilmember Greenberg asked specifically about the window exemption and staff confirmed the proposal would remove the permit requirement for like-for-like window replacements if council adopts the amendments. Councilmember Judd asked about the six-year regional adoption cycle; staff said most local governments in Maricopa County adopt on about a six‑year cadence to balance currency and cost.

Staff will return to the council with additional details after legal review, the 60-day public comment period and the scheduled Planning and Zoning hearings. The council has not taken formal action on the draft at this session.