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Thornton staff recommend adopting 2024 building codes and 2023 National Electric Code with local amendments
Summary
City staff presented proposed adoption of the 2024 International Building Code, 2023 National Electric Code and International Fire Code with local amendments and proposed an effective date of July 1; the council was told the item will return for formal adoption on the May 13 agenda.
City building‑code and fire officials briefed Thornton council on a planned ordinance to adopt updated model codes — the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), the 2023 National Electric Code (NEC) and the International Fire Code — with proposed local amendments designed to reflect regional conditions and state requirements.
Why it matters: The state requires local jurisdictions to adopt updated energy and related model codes; the staff package would also add local amendments intended to clarify enforcement and safety in Thornton buildings.
Key points from staff
- Codes and timing: City staff said they propose adoption on May 13 and an effective date of July 1. The plan also includes automatic concurrent adoption language for the National Electric Code consistent with state timing.
- Energy and electrification provisions: Staff said the state requires adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code and a model energy “solar‑ready” and “electric‑ready” provision. The proposed local changes would require adequate electrical panels and prewiring for future EV charging and solar in new commercial and residential construction to reduce later retrofit costs.
- Fire code and life‑safety changes: Fire Marshal Stephanie Harper Martin presented requested adoptions and recommended updating to the 2025 NFPA 13 (sprinkler) and 2025 NFPA 72 (alarm) editions alongside the IFC changes. She said the local amendments include emergency responder radio coverage requirements for existing structures, permitting for on‑site trash collection services and hood suppression requirements for additional kitchens or accessory dwelling units with separate kitchens.
- Streamlining code enforcement: Building staff said they have cleaned up legacy local amendments to align the city code more closely with the model code and proposed clarifications that would name property owners as liable parties for code violations and streamline the code‑violation process.
Council questions
Council members asked about grandfathering and transition rules for projects mid‑permitting; staff replied that applications submitted before the July 1 effective date and kept current would remain on the earlier code cycle. A council member asked which nearby jurisdictions had already adopted the new codes; staff said Adams County has and agreed to provide a written confirmation and a list of adjacent adopters.
Next step
Staff said the item will be scheduled for formal adoption on the May 13 council agenda; the effective date under the proposal would be July 1, 2025.
Ending: Staff said they will forward additional details about neighboring jurisdictions’ adoption dates and will return May 13 with the ordinance for council action.
