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Williston adopts 2024 state building code but declines three state amendments
Summary
The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted 4-0 Dec. 23 to adopt the North Dakota State Building Code (which incorporates the 2024 International Codes) effective Jan. 1, 2026, while rejecting three specified state amendments and planning local amendments.
The Williston Board of City Commissioners on Dec. 23 adopted the North Dakota State Building Code, aligning the city with the 2024 International Codes effective Jan. 1, 2026, but declined three state amendments the city said it will replace with local modifications.
Development Services Director Mark Schneider told the board the state adoption package incorporates the 2024 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code and related model codes, while the state also provided over 100 amendments. Schneider said, “Similar to previous years, we are choosing to NOT adopt a few of these Amendments here in Williston and we plan on adopting our own amendments to the North Dakota State Building Code.”
Schneider identified three State Amendments the city will not accept: the IBC Section 105.2 exemption for work exempt from permit relating to window awnings and re-roofing; the IRC Section R105.2 exemption for swimming pools; and a change to IRC Section R319.2.3 and 319.4.2 that would alter maximum sill heights and ladder/step requirements in window wells. The city noted that, for eight years, it has applied a 44-inch requirement in window wells and intends to retain that standard rather than accept the state change.
Commissioner Siemieniewski moved adoption of the code package with City Council staff recommendations to decline the three listed state amendments. Commissioner Gjovig seconded the motion. The roll-call vote was recorded as: Gjovig — yes; Siemieniewski — yes; Bervig — yes; Klug — yes. The motion carried 4-0.
Why it matters: adopting the updated codes sets Williston’s building standards to the 2024 model codes used statewide while preserving local control over select provisions the city leadership views as important for safety or local practice. The new code takes effect Jan. 1, 2026; the city said it will follow North Dakota’s plumbing and wiring substitutes where the state requires them and will publish any Williston-specific amendments separately.
The board did not discuss implementation timelines for local amendments during the open meeting. Development Services staff will prepare ordinance language and next steps to incorporate the state code into the City Code.
