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Hays City adopts updated international codes and permits narrower carport setbacks
Summary
The commission adopted the 2024 International Fire Code, 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code with local amendments, and approved a UDC change defining carports and allowing certain carports within 3 feet of property lines; all votes were unanimous.
The Hays City Commission voted on March 26 to adopt three updated model codes and a small zoning change for carports.
Justin Rohrer, director of public works, said staff and a local contractor code committee reviewed proposed amendments and held a public open house. The ordinances updated the city’s code base from older editions to the 2024 International Fire Code and International Property Maintenance Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code, with local amendments addressing tornado drill frequency alignment with state law, clearer routing of fire alarm activations to local dispatch, and selected AFCI exceptions for older wiring in existing homes.
Rohrer described the outreach process: a code committee of licensed contractors provided input and the planning commission reviewed the UDC carport amendment and recommended it 4–0. The UDC amendment defines a carport as a roof structure for vehicle shelter that is open on at least two sides and would allow an eligible carport to be sited as close as 3 feet from an interior property line in most cases; carports closed on three sides would not qualify and would follow accessory structure setbacks. Staff and commissioners discussed drainage, neighbor notification and grandfathering of existing structures.
The commission voted separately on each ordinance: Ordinance No. 4093 (2024 IFC), Ordinance No. 4094 (2024 IPMC) and Ordinance No. 4095 (2023 NEC), and approved the UDC carport amendment; each measure passed 5–0.
The adoptions will allow updated technology and life‑safety provisions to be incorporated into local construction and permit training for staff and contractors on current code editions.
