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Commission discusses updating to 2018 building code; some commissioners warn of cost impacts
Summary
Commissioners discussed a possible update to the city's building code (proposed move to the 2018 code). One commissioner said Kansas City's adoption of the 2021 energy code sharply reduced permits there; staff clarified Kearney is not proposing the 2021 energy code and noted neighboring cities are on 2018.
Commissioners spent part of the Sept. 9 meeting discussing building‑code updates and their potential effect on local construction activity.
Commissioner Speaker 6 said he had learned the city was considering adopting the 2018 building code and cautioned the commission, referencing Kansas City's experience with a later energy code: “that thing practically shut Kansas City down,” he said, arguing that stricter code requirements increase homebuilding costs and could push builders elsewhere. Speaker 6 reiterated concerns that requiring more from builders raises costs for homebuyers.
Staff (Speaker 2) responded that Kearney’s proposal is to move to the 2018 code and that many neighboring communities already are on 2018; Kearney and Clay County had been on the 2012 code. Staff distinguished between building codes and energy codes, noting that Kansas City’s issue was adoption of the 2021 energy code and that Kearney was not proposing the 2021 energy code. The chair and staff noted there are multiple code types (plumbing, electrical, energy) and communities sometimes adopt parts at different times.
No formal action was taken; the exchange was a discussion and a request for clarity on which codes the city plans to adopt. Commissioners asked staff for additional information and context about specific code provisions and the likely timeline before any ordinance is forwarded for formal consideration.
