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Council debates building‑code options after state rule change; considers house‑numbering ordinance
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Summary
City staff briefed council on Kansas law limiting local enforcement of newer residential codes for homes under 2,500 sq ft and recommended keeping the 2018 IRC; council also discussed options for a house‑numbering ordinance after meter crews found many unnumbered residences, but took no final action.
Council heard an extended briefing from the building official on changes to residential building‑code enforcement following the recent Kansas law (referred to in the meeting as SB 418). The official said the statute restricts a municipality’s ability to enforce IRC editions newer than 2018 for single‑family homes under 2,500 square feet, making local adoption of the 2024 IRC potentially less useful for the bulk of Marion’s housing stock.
The official recommended the city consider retaining enforcement of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) for most residential work unless the council wants to act differently for larger permits. "The only way we can enforce the 2024 IRC is if it was a 2,500 square‑foot or greater house," the official said, noting he would prefer to stay with the 2018 code unless the council directs otherwise.
Separately, staff raised a problem identified by meter‑replacement crews: multiple homes either lacked house numbers or had numbers that were faded or unreadable, which creates difficulties for emergency responders and vendors. Staff reviewed options: rely on the International Property Maintenance Code (already adopted in part) that covers address display, or draft a local ordinance with outreach, a courtesy notification period and enforcement steps for persistent noncompliance.
Council discussion focused on balancing public‑safety concerns and fairness of enforcement. Several members recommended an initial outreach effort (courtesy letters and social media reminders) and targeted enforcement only after an education period; staff was asked to return with specific ordinance language and an enforcement timeline if the council wants to pursue a local code amendment.
No formal vote was taken; the matter will return to council after staff develops proposed language and outreach steps.
Ending: Staff will prepare draft ordinance language or an alternative outreach plan and present options at a future meeting or study session.
