Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Codes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arvada staff propose adopting 2024 model building codes, highlight energy updates, residential sprinklers and wildfire rules
Summary
At a Jan. 27 workshop staff recommended moving to the 2024 International Code Council suite plus state low energy carbon amendments and a local wildfire-resiliency code; the fire marshal and building official laid out changes on energy compliance, residential sprinklers and defensible-space standards and answered council questions about costs, hydrant flow, insurance and implementation.
City staff recommended that Arvada adopt the 2024 family of International Code Council building codes with a state low energy carbon energy-code amendment and additional local amendments, including a new Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code, during a public workshop on Jan. 27.
Kylie Flynn, Arvada’s chief building official, summarized the building-safety division’s workload and capacity and said staff proposes moving from the 2018 suite to the 2024 suite (with the 2026 National Electrical Code to be incorporated when released). Flynn highlighted three changes staff considered most significant: energy conservation (the state’s low energy carbon package), a renewed discussion of residential sprinklers and a wildfire resiliency code aligned to state minimums but tailored for the city.
Flynn cited FEMA’s estimate that every dollar invested in modern building codes saves about $11 in avoided disaster costs and said staff is recommending the 2024 energy code because it offers a more flexible point‑based compliance system and consolidated guidance for electric/solar/EV readiness. She noted some compliance pathways are new and the state is issuing tools to assist implementation; staff proposed an enforcement/implementation date in July to let state systems and reporting tools come online.
Fire Marshal Steven Parker reviewed the fire-code amendments under consideration. He described operational permits for new hazards such as lithium‑ion battery storage, clarified rules on rural fire-access roads for steep subdivisions, and said retroactive alarm/notification systems for apartment buildings remain a focus. Parker and staff noted the department’s review found sprinkler systems can be accommodated with current engineering standards and that several design options (domestic-line tie-ins, tank-and-pump systems, meter sizing limits) can limit impacts to the water system.
On wildfire resiliency, staff walked the council through the two risk classes and three defensible-space zones. Class 2 (higher risk) would require more structure hardening (Class A roofs, rated exterior assemblies, flashing and screened deck undersides), while zone 1 (0–5 ft) would bar combustible plantings and mulch. Staff said the code would apply mainly to new construction and exterior alterations; minor maintenance such as painting would not trigger requirements.
Council members questioned cost, insurance effects and implementation. Staff said the Insurance Services Office rating (ISO) and staff certifications are factors in community insurance classes and that updates can reduce insurance costs over time. Staff committed to a grace period and exemptions for developments already in master-permit status and said the city is pursuing a $900,000 grant to support energy-code implementation.
No final vote or ordinance adoption occurred at the workshop; staff will return with code-adoption ordinances, implementation dates and details about fee impacts, compliance pathways and outreach.
