NorthlakeTown Council begins multi-year update of building codes, including a new property-maintenance code

Town staff told the NorthlakeTown Council on June 11 that they will begin a comprehensive update of the town’s building codes to align with the 2024 International Codes and the 2026 National Electrical Code and to adopt a new property-maintenance code.

The update is driven by the town’s strategic goal to ‘‘protect the public’’ and to pursue code changes that support better Insurance Services Organization (ISO) ratings, staff said. ‘‘A better ISO rating leads to lower insurance rates,’’ Nathan, a town staff presenter, told the council, describing how updated codes and enforcement practices are weighted heavily in the ISO building-code effectiveness grading scale.

Staff said the current municipal code is still based on the 2018 family of codes and that many builders in the region already construct to newer standards. The plan would also adopt a property-maintenance code to provide clearer terms, address gaps (examples offered included private commercial driveway potholes) and give code enforcement tools beyond existing dangerous-buildings and minimum-housing standards.

Councilors pressed staff to avoid imposing disproportionate costs on homeowners and small renovation projects. One councilor warned that some recent code requirements ‘‘add 20 to 30% of the cost of a new home’’ and asked staff to flag any provisions that would substantially raise renovation costs for existing residences.

Staff said recommended amendments will follow regional Council of Governments guidance and that they will work closely with building-inspection partners, Safe Built, and the local ESD on fire-code items. The council did not take formal action; staff will return with more detailed proposals and cost implications as the process advances.