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Hays adopts 2024 fire and property maintenance codes, 2023 electrical code and narrows carport setback
Summary
The City of Hays adopted the 2024 International Fire Code, the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code (each with local amendments), and approved a Unified Development Code change reducing carport setbacks to three feet; all ordinances passed unanimously.
HAYS, Kan. — The City of Hays Governing Body on March 26 approved multiple ordinance updates aimed at bringing local construction and maintenance standards up to current model codes while preserving prior local amendments.
Public Works Director Jesse Rohr recommended adopting the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), and the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC). Rohr said staff worked with local contractors to review proposed regulations and retained or created amendments where appropriate to minimize disruption for builders and maintain existing local practices. Commissioner Shaun Musil moved and Commissioner Sandy Jacobs seconded the motion to approve Ordinance No. 4093 adopting the 2024 IFC with amendments; the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Jacobs subsequently moved, with Commissioner Musil seconding, to adopt Ordinance No. 4094 adopting the 2024 IPMC with amendments. Vice‑Mayor Alaina Cunningham moved, Commissioner Jacobs seconded, and the Commission adopted Ordinance No. 4095 adopting the 2023 NEC with local amendments.
Rohr also reviewed a proposed change to the Unified Development Code (UDC) that would reduce the required side and rear yard setback for accessory structures, including carports, from five feet to three feet. The Hays Area Planning Commission recommended the change 4‑0, noting several recent variance requests; the city commission adopted Ordinance No. 4096 approving the UDC amendment. Commissioners discussed the need to ensure residents understand the revised setback rules.
All motions were approved unanimously. The ordinances reference local amendments detailed in the adopting texts; the meeting minutes note that maintaining prior amendments was a deliberate staff choice to reduce change for local contractors.
