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Linn Valley adopts 2018 residential code but excludes arc‑fault requirement
Summary
After discussion about arc‑fault electrical interrupters tripping on common appliances, the council voted unanimously to adopt the 2018 International Residential Code for new permits while excluding the arc‑fault interrupter requirement.
The Linn Valley council voted unanimously to adopt the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) for new building permits but exempted the arc‑fault electrical‑interrupter requirement from the local adoption.
Matthew, the building official, explained the arc‑fault devices sense abnormal current and can trip on high‑draw appliances, which led some municipalities to delay that portion of the code. "An arc fault interrupter ... is a fire preventive measure," the building official said; councilors discussed the practical implications and agreed to adopt the 2018 code while excluding that electrical section.
Staff clarified the adoption applies only to new permits issued after the effective date and will not alter permits already approved under the earlier (2006) code. Council members asked staff to prepare language that specifies the exclusion and to place the formal ordinance documentation in the files for the next meeting.
