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Staff briefs commission on building-code updates and EV-ready requirements
Summary
City staff told the commission the city will begin updating its adopted building codes (moving toward the 2021 family), noted a state-required 90-day notice and said newer code cycles include EV-charging readiness; the staff presentation explained insurance/ISO implications of code-cycle timing.
City staff provided an overview of upcoming building-code updates and what they mean for Webster Groves.
David Bookless explained that staff will present proposed changes to the city council and that, by statute, cities must give 90 days' public notice before adopting code amendments. He said updates follow the International Code Council (ICC) family of codes and that newer cycles include dedicated sections on EV infrastructure so newly built homes can be EV-ready (conduit installed but not necessarily the wiring).
Staff noted municipalities commonly stay one code cycle behind the most recent published cycle to allow time for jurisdictions and industry to adapt; staying too far behind can affect ISO community ratings and, ultimately, homeowner and business insurance premiums. The staff briefing described the scope and technical nature of code amendments and advised commissioners that the amendments are largely technical and developed by architects, engineers and building officials.
Commissioners asked whether the sustainability commission might have an advisory role during the public-notice phase; staff said the amendments will be published as a public document and the commission could provide input when those materials are posted. Staff also suggested commissioners consult the ICC website to review the code books and supporting commentary.
Next steps: the planning director will present to the city council at the upcoming work session; staff will circulate links to the relevant code documents once they are available for public review.
