Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Adoption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff recommends adopting 2024 building and fire codes with local amendments; public hearing set
Summary
City staff proposed adopting the 2024 International Building and Fire Codes with select appendices and local amendments (notably lower sprinkler thresholds and new lithium-ion battery provisions); code books will be posted for public review and public hearings were proposed for July 20 (public hearing) and Aug. 3 (first reading).
Staff presented a proposal to adopt the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) building and fire code updates and described several changes the council should consider adopting, along with a schedule for public hearings.
A presenter explained the proposed local adoption would include the 2024 International Fire Code and select appendices (fire-flow, hydrant spacing, fire access roads, fire protection systems and others). He said the 2024 code expands coverage of modern hazards — notably lithium-ion battery energy storage and related storage/handling and disposal rules — and adds guidance for emergency-responder communications and mass-timber construction limits.
On sprinkler thresholds, staff said they were proposing amendments that would lower several occupancy thresholds compared with the prior code: for example, some assembly occupancies would drop from 5,000 to 4,000 sq ft; library/assembly thresholds would be lowered to 8,000 sq ft; and many educational occupancies would trigger sprinklering under the updated code. Staff clarified these thresholds typically apply to new construction and substantial renovations; existing buildings not undergoing the specified alteration level would generally not be forced to retrofit immediately.
Council asked for clarity on how thresholds apply to downtown renovations and whether remodels would require sprinklers; staff said level-2 or -3 alterations reaching a defined portion of floor area would trigger compliance and that they could propose targeted amendments (for example, tracer wire placement on sewer mains) for council consideration.
Staff said code books were available at the Community and Economic Development office and proposed scheduling a public hearing on July 20 and a first reading on Aug. 3. The presentation did not adopt new ordinances at the session; staff will post materials, solicit public comment and return with ordinance language and any recommended local amendments.
The presenter listed related references cited during the discussion: the 2024 International Fire Code, relevant IBC/IRC chapters, ICC 500 (storm-shelter provisions) and ASCE 7‑22 (tornado design standard) as sources informing the proposed local approach.
