Cole County staff propose updating building and electrical codes; commission to form building commission and hold public hearings

Cole County planning and building staff briefed commissioners Nov. 26 on a plan to update the county’s building and electrical codes and to form a building commission to shepherd the adoption process.

Speaker 11 (building/planning staff) said the county currently operates under a 2000 building code and a 2002 electrical code and recommended adopting the 2018 building code and the 2017 electrical code with locally tailored amendments. Staff said they already have identified potential commission members and would invite stakeholders — including the Home Builders Association and local realtors — to review drafts and attend public meetings.

Under the statute cited by staff, adoption of a new code cycle requires forming a building commission and holding statutorily required public hearings (staff said three public hearings are required and noted guidance on 15‑day notice requirements). Staff proposed completing the adoption process in the first quarter of next year, contingent on forming the commission and conducting outreach. Commissioners asked about conflicts of interest for contractors who serve on the commission and whether the county could instead amend existing code; staff explained that adoption of a new code cycle is legally different from amending the county’s older code and therefore triggers the commission/hearing process.

No formal vote was required at the meeting; staff sought commissioner feedback and indicated they will return with a list of proposed commission members and a draft timeline.