Keystone council adopts 2024 building codes after debate over energy provisions

Keystone Town Council voted unanimously on June 30 to adopt Ordinance 2026‑08, which incorporates the 2024 editions of the International Building Code and a set of related model codes, including the International Energy Conservation Code 2024 edition.

The second reading and public hearing focused on two substantive revisions from the ordinance’s first reading: staff removed a previously proposed electric 'ramp mitigation' program and inserted language (at the town attorney’s suggestion) authorizing the community development director to make administrative interpretations of parts of the code. Community Development Director Drew Nelson told the council the package is intended to give designers a clearer, more condensed path to compliance while meeting state energy goals tied to a governor’s requirement.

"We do recommend approval of the ordinance as prepared for you all," Nelson said, describing the IECC‑based approach as a pragmatic route that aligns with local conditions and the state’s timing requirements.

Glenn Morgan, Summit County’s chief building official, told the council the code does not prohibit natural gas heating and that designers can meet energy goals by pursuing a variety of prescriptive or point‑based paths. "A designer can go to heat pumps if they like and get points for that. Or they can go to high‑efficiency boilers and get points for that," Morgan said, emphasizing the role of effective inspections in achieving long‑term energy savings.

Council members asked whether the amended IECC would effectively ban natural gas or raise long‑term costs for renters and workforce housing. Nelson and Morgan replied that while the code encourages beneficial electrification pathways (and the state requires 'solar‑ready' and 'EV‑ready' provisions), the locally adopted tables and prescriptive paths preserve options for gas systems where appropriate.

Council also discussed a proposed amendment that would allow Keystone staff to issue administrative interpretations of certain code provisions. Town attorneys cautioned the approach is novel and could be subject to challenge, but staff said it was designed to preserve flexibility without immediately triggering a mandatory state update to an alternative model low‑energy code.

After deliberation, a motion to adopt Ordinance 2026‑08 passed on a roll call vote, 6‑0. The council thanked county building staff and the community development office for their work during a multi‑meeting review process. Nelson said staff will finalize redlines in the ordinance packet and coordinate implementation with the Summit County Building Department, which will administer the adopted code for Keystone.

The council’s action now places Keystone on the IECC 2024 path with local amendments. Staff said inspection rigor and clear administrative procedures will be critical to realizing the energy and affordability outcomes discussed during the hearing.