Staff previews move from 2018 to 2024 model building codes, flags inspector‑certification concern

Assistant City Manager and building official Lehi Cole told the Committee the city relies on model codes published by the International Code Council and staff recommends updating from the 2018 cycle toward the 2024/2023 cycle to meet state minimum standards.

"We have to have an update in place by 01/01/2028," Cole said, explaining that the state building and residential codes act establishes a maximum age for adopted codes and that failure to update would create compliance problems for jurisdictions.

Cole highlighted incremental but important life‑safety changes in the newer codes: lower thresholds for sprinkler requirements in some occupancies, a proposed one‑hour fire separation between adjacent tenant spaces in mercantile buildings, new provisions for EV charging and battery systems (including ventilation and emergency disconnects), and mass timber allowances for taller timber buildings. He also flagged a recent state change that could require many more certifications for inspectors to perform certain duties; staff recommended using home‑rule authority to seek an exemption to avoid crippling staffing impacts.

Staff said the ordinance will be long and largely carry model code language forward with limited local amendments focused on life safety; the proposed schedule is first reading next week, second reading in December and an effective date (if adopted) at the start of the next year. Councilmembers were invited to request technical follow‑up meetings and contact staff with specific questions.