Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building And Fire Codes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lamar schedules March 3 hearings to update building and fire codes
Summary
Council set public hearings for March 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. to consider updates to Chapter 155 (building and construction regulations) and Chapter 156 (fire prevention) to align with new state code; staff warned of pending state legislation that could affect sprinkler requirements for attached townhomes.
The Lamar City Council set public hearings for 12:00 p.m. on March 3, 2026, to consider proposed ordinances updating Chapter 155 (building and construction regulations) and Chapter 156 (fire prevention) of the Lamar Code of Ordinances to align with recent State of Iowa code updates.
City staff explained the city historically mirrors state code and noted the municipality is moving from the 2015 to the 2024 International Building Code, with substantive changes in fire‑rating provisions. Staff said most changes are incremental but significant items include updated fire ratings and other fire‑safety provisions; the city typically adopts state exceptions where appropriate to remain consistent with state enforcement.
A staff member also warned council members that pending state legislation could create an exemption allowing up to six attached townhomes to be built without automatic sprinklers; staff said council may have to decide whether to adopt or disallow that exemption if the bill passes the legislature.
Council formally established the public hearing date and time for both ordinances; no final code changes were adopted at the Feb. 17 meeting.
What happens next: public hearings are scheduled March 3; staff will return with the proposed ordinances and any legislative developments to inform council decisions.
