Oak Grove reviews proposed 2017/2018 building-code updates; staff recommends phased adoption

City staff presented a multi-part review of proposed amendments to Oak Grove’s municipal building code on July 15, outlining planned adoptions of selected 2017/2018 technical code provisions with local modifications.

Justin (staff) told the board staff reviewed the city’s current codebooks (adopted previously from the 2012 cycle) and compared local practices to neighboring jurisdictions. "For the past few months, staff has been reviewing the proposed additions, deletions, and amendments regarding the adoption of the 2017 and 2018 technical codes," Justin said, summarizing the consultant and staff review of definitions and provisions to be updated.

Among the more consequential changes staff highlighted: - Accessory structures: The proposed amendment raises the permit-exemption threshold for accessory buildings. Justin explained that structures under 120 square feet would remain exempt but larger accessory buildings would require a permit so unpermitted sheds are not built immediately adjacent to fences or other structures. "We've changed it to where the floor areas, if it's less than 120 square feet, then you don't need a permit," Justin said. - Radon: Staff recommended adopting IRC Appendix F (radon-resistant construction) for applicable new construction where the appendix applies. - Garage floor drains and sewer connections: Proposed rules would prohibit connecting garage floor drains to the public sewer (they must be daylighted or routed externally), and the code would require a backwater valve with access at sewer connections to reduce interior flooding risk. - Electrical safety: Outdoor 125-volt receptacles would be required to have GFCI protection and be resettable at the outlet location to avoid locating the reset device inside distant circuits. - Construction-site maintenance and erosion control: The presentation recommended including construction-site maintenance rules in the building code and adjusting fees and deposit deductions for erosion-control infractions.

Staff said they will present remaining code-book items and a proposed fee schedule at the August 5 meeting. The ordinance to adopt the proposed changes is planned for board consideration on Aug. 19, with staff noting a required 90-day public posting/comment period after adoption; this timeline likely means the revised code would take effect Jan. 1 to give builders and staff an orderly transition.

Board members asked clarifying questions about enforcement, fee changes and which county agencies will inspect private sewer connections in different parts of the city. Justin and another staff member answered that Jackson County Public Works will inspect and approve private sewer connections where applicable and that the building official will perform inspections on the Lafayette County side.

The board did not vote on the code changes at this meeting; staff will return with additional details and a fee proposal before the board votes.