Staff recommend adopting 2024 International Building Codes with local amendments

City staff outlined a package of proposed amendments to adopt the 2024 edition of the International Building Codes, saying the changes are intended to keep buildings safe and better align local policy with regional practice. Brian, a member of the Community Development Department, said the presentation focuses on the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

“We added a section license required, and it essentially states that anyone that pulls a building permit to do work in the city of Mission must have a Johnson County contractor's license,” Brian said, describing a county program that provides training and verification for contractors. Staff also proposed homeowner exceptions for owners who personally perform permitted work.

Staff walked council through other specific amendments in the packet: stricter language on prohibited drainage and site plans for grade changes greater than 3%, a work‑hours provision limiting noisy construction outside standard hours, new physical‑security measures (reinforced doors/frames, longer hinge screws and deadbolts), and additions to permit solar‑ready roofs and EV‑ready electrical infrastructure. Brian said the proposals are intended to be locally tailored rather than wholesale adoptions of all ICC recommendations.

Council members asked clarifying questions about applicability to existing buildings and how adoption will be implemented. Staff said they will post the draft amendments on the city website, convene a stakeholder forum for contractors and other groups, and return to council in June for further review with possible adoption in June or July and implementation around October.