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Maricopa council adopts updated building code; transition period set through Sept. 1, 2026
Summary
The City of Maricopa adopted a new set of building standards on Jan. 20, 2026. Staff said the code becomes effective 30 days after adoption and builders with standard plans have a grace period to update plans by Sept. 1, 2026; the council approved the measure by voice vote.
The City of Maricopa on Jan. 20 approved an updated municipal building code and directed staff to publish transition guidance for developers and homeowners.
City staff said the new code will be effective 30 days after the council’s action, but builders with existing standard plans will have an extended transition window. "We are giving at least 6 months, up until September 1 to get their standard plans up to date to 2024 codes from the previous 2018," Rudy Lopez, the home services director, told the council.
The move follows staff outreach and an explanation of implementation steps. Council members asked for clarity on whether the changes apply only to new construction or also to routine homeowner repairs; staff answered that basic repairs do not require permits and therefore are not affected, but projects requiring permits would be subject to the new standards.
The city manager also reviewed revenue tied to development growth that funds capital projects. "We collected about $9,000,000 in development impact fees... and about $14,000,000 in construction sales tax. So that's $23,000,000 that we have to use towards new traffic signals, new street lights," the city manager said during the presentation.
Council member Noor moved to approve the adoption; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Staff said a "rules of transition" document will be published on the city's site to explain grandfathering, effective dates, and outreach to builders.
What’s next: staff will post transition guidance and notify local builders and permit applicants. The council did not change fee levels during this action; the adoption deals with technical standards and timing for compliance.
