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Cave Creek clears first reading to adopt 2024 building codes; council retains 2021 energy chapter for now
Summary
Council approved first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2024 International Building/Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire codes into Cave Creek code while staff and builders continue to debate whether the town should keep the 2021 energy provisions for single‑family residential construction. Vote was unanimous (7–0).
The Cave Creek Town Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025‑08 to replace local building‑code chapters with the 2024 International Code Council model codes while intentionally retaining the 2021 residential energy chapter for chapter 11 as staff recommended.
Chief Building Official Adam Hicks told council that moving the town to the 2024 code cycle reduces locally imposed, nonstandard requirements and aligns Cave Creek with neighboring jurisdictions, simplifying plan review and lowering duplicative review steps for contractors. Hicks said staff removed arbitrary local add‑ons to return to code minimums in many places but recommended holding the residential energy code at the 2021 version because he believes the 2024 energy provisions would increase costs for single‑family home construction without clear near‑term benefits.
James Ashley of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona urged consistent adoption of the 2024 code, arguing the 2024 IECC in many respects reduces burdens compared with the 2021 energy requirements. Councilmembers asked staff to continue conversations with builders and to provide a clear list of potential cost impacts at second reading. The council approved the first reading 7–0; staff will return with options for an effective date and any targeted amendments at second reading.
Ending: The ordinance’s second reading will include additional detail on effective dates and any council‑directed amendments; the council retained discretion to change the energy chapter decision after more information and discussion.
