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Oro Valley adopts 2024 international building codes and 2023 National Electrical Code; retains 2018 energy code for now
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Summary
Council voted 7-0 to adopt the 2024 family of International Codes (including the new International Existing Building Code) and the 2023 NEC while keeping the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in force until software and industry guidance for the 2024 energy code are available.
The Oro Valley Town Council on Sept. 3 unanimously adopted the 2024 editions of the International Building Code family and the 2023 National Electrical Code, while retaining the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) until industry tools and training for the 2024 energy code are available.
Building Official Larry Merrill presented the multi-jurisdictional review process that led to the recommendation. Merrill said the town is on a six-year code cycle and that local jurisdictions coordinated through a joint code committee with City of Tucson, Pima County and Marana. He recommended adopting the 2024 International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and others, and said the town should continue using the 2018 IECC because the industry software used for energy compliance (COMcheck) and training resources were not yet ready for 2024.
Merrill highlighted three key changes across codes: expanded GFCI and surge-protection provisions and new rules for energy storage and EV charging in the 2023 NEC; strengthened seismic, wind-load and fire-resistance standards in the 2024 IBC/IRC; and a new performance compliance path in the 2024 IEBC that the town had not previously adopted. Merrill said adopting the IEBC will give plan reviewers and contractors clearer, often less burdensome pathways for retrofits and adaptive reuse.
Jennifer Akins, Golder Ranch Fire District fire marshal, told council that the new fire code provisions add sprinkler and fire-suppression requirements for buildings with lithium-ion battery storage and extend code checks to single-family dwellings that have battery storage. She said smoke-control updates apply to buildings taller than 75 feet, a height Oro Valley presently does not contain.
Council discussed costs for builders and homeowners, the potential for insurance-rating benefits from modern codes, and coordination on implementation and training. The council accepted staff's recommendation to adopt the 2024 codes effective Jan. 1, 2026, and keep the 2018 IECC in place until regional tools and guidance are available. The vote was 7-0.
