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City updates building and safety rules: Reno to adopt 2024 I‑Codes with regional changes
Summary
Reno’s City Council adopted the 2024 editions of the International model building codes, with regionally negotiated amendments, on May 7, 2025; the update includes stricter technical standards for rockery/retaining walls and new energy measures, and it provides a transition window for permits.
Reno’s City Council voted May 7, 2025 to adopt updated construction and safety codes that replace the city’s 2018 code series with the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) family of model codes, together with a set of locally negotiated regional amendments.
The update covers multiple code books — building, residential, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire‑safety and related standards. The city worked as part of a regional consortium that included nearby jurisdictions and construction industry groups; the region adopted a single, harmonized amendment package so that design and permit standards will be consistent across most of the Truckee Meadows area.
Major changes and the process
- Energy standards: The 2024 energy code contains new measures for commercial and residential construction. The regional package incorporates state and local preferences and provides a phased implementation window so builders can choose whether to submit under the prior code or the new code during a transition period. - Rockery and retaining walls: The code package includes a comprehensive, rewritten standard for construction and inspection of retaining and rockery walls. Council members and the building department said the stricter standard responds to repeated safety concerns and inconsistent practices in the region and will improve long‑term durability and inspection clarity. - Process and outreach: City staff briefed trade groups and met with unions, builders, structural engineers and standards committees for 18 months before presenting the final package to the council. Staff said the outreach was designed to reduce surprises for designers and builders and to keep permit review consistent across neighboring jurisdictions.
Timing and implementation
The council approved a July 1, 2025 adoption date and a soft roll‑out period through Jan. 1, 2026. During that interval, building permit applicants may choose to submit under either the 2018 or 2024 codes to allow projects under active design to proceed without unexpected rework.
Why it matters
Building‑code updates affect everyday construction costs, energy performance and safety. The new energy rules may require additional features in new homes and commercial buildings; code officials said the rockery/retaining‑wall rewrite will reduce ambiguity for both builders and inspectors.
Council action
Council members approved the ordinance adopting the building‑code updates without recorded dissent. City staff will publish the amended code language and begin the transition process described in the council motion.
Ending
The update was described by staff as an incremental but important step in aligning Reno with contemporary construction, energy performance and public‑safety standards and to harmonize permitting across the Truckee Meadows region.
