The McAllen City Commission voted to adopt the 2024 building codes with several local exceptions after a staff presentation on proposed deviations.

Staff said, "This item is for the adoption of the 20 24 building codes," and explained the local changes under consideration. Staff told commissioners the residential energy provisions would exclude interior lighting controls (dimmers and automatic shutoff devices). Under the International Building Code provisions for commercial construction, staff reported the adult changing-table requirement would be excluded. Staff also said the residential code would exclude a municipal requirement for automatic fire sprinkler systems and related plumbing, citing Texas law that limits municipal authority to require sprinklers in single-family dwellings and duplexes.

Commissioners moved to approve the ordinance; the motion passed after a voice vote. No individual vote tallies were recorded in the transcript. The staff presentation did not identify estimated cost impacts or an implementation date beyond the standard ordinance-adoption process.

The changes mean McAllen will adopt the latest model building codes while retaining local discretion on selected items the city characterized as inconsistent with state law or local policy. Staff said the exclusions align the ordinance with existing state limits on residential sprinkler mandates.

The ordinance will be published and take effect according to the city's normal codification and notice procedures.