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Ottawa Commission adopts International Existing Building Code to ease downtown renovations
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to adopt the 2018 International Existing Building Code to provide flexibility for renovating historic downtown buildings; commissioners discussed sprinkler requirements, financing concerns and design alternatives before approving the measure.
The Ottawa City Commission on Dec. 4 unanimously adopted an ordinance to formally adopt the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), a move staff and proponents said will restore flexibility for renovating older and historic buildings downtown.
Director Nies told the commission the IEBC had previously been applied in the city but lapsed when the International Code Council reorganized materials; "what is before you is really just returning to a status quo in the community," Nies said. Staff recommended adopting the IEBC without substantive amendments to preserve uniformity and to give design professionals administrative options for alternative means and methods.
Commissioners raised questions about when sprinkler systems would be required, the capacity of downtown water lines and the economic feasibility of retrofits for small projects. Commissioner Clayton noted that building owners often ask, "Does it require sprinklers?" and warned that mandatory sprinkler requirements can make small renovations financially impractical. Code consultant Joe Komats of GBA said the IEBC includes administrative chapters and provisions that allow design professionals to propose alternatives such as intumescent coatings or other passive fire-protection measures on a case-by-case basis.
Advocates, staff and commissioners framed the adoption as a tool to encourage occupancy and investment in Main Street buildings while balancing life-safety requirements. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve item 10b; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote with all commissioners voting yes.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the consent agenda (minutes), the donation distribution of $2,000 (split $1,000 to ECAN and $1,000 to Hope House), and a resolution to waive GAAP reporting for 2025; all were passed by roll-call earlier in the meeting.
