Weatherford staff outline proposed switch to 2021 building and 2020 electrical codes; sprinkler thresholds would shift

City staff presented a package of proposed building- and fire-code updates to the Weatherford City Council that would adopt the 2021 International Codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code and add the consolidated International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, staff said.

Caleb Kettner, who opened the presentation, told the council the proposed change is intended to bring the city into alignment with the codes used widely by developers and to simplify local amendments. "Right now, we have over a 150 pages new codes that we are proposing," Kettner said, and staff plans to reduce local amendments to avoid confusion for builders working across jurisdictions.

Fire Marshal Kevin Dozier highlighted several substantive changes in the fire code. He said the proposal "is the removal of the 7,500 square foot threshold of fire sprinkler requirements." Dozier explained that, under the occupancyspecific approach in the 2021 code, many building types that previously triggered sprinklers at 7,500 square feet would instead trigger at larger thresholds "in most cases" — often up to about 12,000 square feet — but that some occupancies would retain lower thresholds (for example, restaurants and some entertainment occupancies). He also cited clearer requirements for emergency responder radio coverage and updated language addressing energy storage systems such as solar-plus-battery installations.

Council members asked staff for examples and an itemized list of building types that would be affected. Kettner and Dozier said they would provide a list of the specific use types and thresholds before any ordinance is returned for adoption so business owners and property investors can see whether their property would be affected. Dozier said existing buildings would generally be required to comply when a change of use or a significant modification occurs; minor changes that do not alter use or exceed major-modification thresholds would not immediately trigger retroactive work.

Staff proposed making the code adoption effective immediately if council approves the ordinance but allowing a transition "grace period" through Dec. 31, 2025 so projects already underway can continue under prior code assumptions. A public hearing on the proposed code changes was scheduled for June 24; staff said an ordinance would be returned for council consideration after that hearing.

The presentation did not include a motion or final vote on adoption; council received the update and asked staff to provide the detailed lists and regulatory language before bringing an ordinance back for a formal vote.

Next steps: a public hearing is set for June 24, after which council may consider an ordinance to adopt the codes and the proposed local amendments.