Flagstaff staff kick off 2024 code adoption cycle and outline carbon neutrality plan update

City staff briefed the Flagstaff City Council on the city’s building and fire code update process and an accompanying update to the Carbon Neutrality Plan during the April 8 meeting.

Genevieve Parthre of the Sustainability Office said the city follows a six‑year code adoption cycle and is beginning review of the 2024 International Code Council model codes. Amy Tressler, building official, said that Flagstaff historically adopts the ICC model codes with local amendments to reflect local climate and conditions (snow loads, radon, etc.). Tressler emphasized the time required for the adoption process — often a year or longer — and said staff are aiming for community engagement and a December 2025/January 2026 adoption window, noting that the schedule is aggressive.

Fire Department staff (Chris Jack and Neil Chapman) spoke about the International Wildland‑Urban Interface Code and the fire code. They said wildfire interface provisions address ignition‑resistant construction, defensible space and water supply and access requirements. City staff noted that the State of Arizona also adopts a fire code that sets minimums and that Flagstaff may adopt standards that are more stringent than state minimums.

Staff from Water Conservation and Sustainability explained code provisions that affect water use, solar readiness and electric‑vehicle infrastructure. Tamara Lalls, Water Conservation Program Manager, described local plumbing amendments already in place (lower flow for urinals and toilets) and said the city is considering requiring WaterSense‑labeled fixtures in future code amendments. Genevieve Parthre and Sustainability staff also discussed goals from the Carbon Neutrality Plan — including a 2030 net‑zero housing objective — and how code updates (energy codes, solar‑ready provisions and EV‑ready parking) can support those goals.

Sustainability Director Jenny Neiman and climate staff presented a status update on the Carbon Neutrality Plan (CNP). Staff reported that since adoption the city has implemented or begun about 58% of the 215 actions in the CNP and described specific programs: residential energy rebates (over 500 households since adoption), a completed city energy and water conservation project that staff said saves about $225,000 annually in city utility costs, a green business boot camp for local commercial solar uptake, the e‑bike fleet for staff, and the CARES mobile unit (covered in the public safety presentation). Staff outlined an upcoming CNP update process that will include: refreshed greenhouse‑gas data, a municipal operations subsection, an equity scan, stronger emphasis on adaptation/resilience, and a public redesign (including an online dashboard). Council was told staff will solicit public input through workshops and outreach and intends to bring a draft update for council consideration in March 2026.

Public comment included both support for local sustainability work (energy upgrades, pine‑needle cleanups and flood‑preparedness grants) and criticism calling for greater focus on adaptation and questions about costs and timelines for carbon neutrality. Steve Carter, a resident, urged the council to prioritize fire and emergency services funding over sustainability staff and questioned the city’s direction on emissions reductions. Other speakers requested a stand‑alone adaptation plan and recommended the city make outreach and explanations of projected costs clearer for residents.

Ending: Staff said they will return with specific proposed local amendments, a public engagement schedule and draft CNP updates; no votes were taken during this item.