Cowley council debates Development Code placement, building-code references

Mayor Joel Peterson read Ordinance #343, which would amend the Development Code to add street-cut requirements and related changes. Councilmember Max Lewis pressed for a more extensive review of the code and asked that references to the 2024 International Building Code be placed and defined precisely within the codified text.

"Max stated in the existing code we adopted the older building code. He wants to make sure the new adopted 2024 IBC code is placed in the right place at the beginning," the minutes record. Joel responded that the codification process will handle formatting and repeal conflicts: "Joel stated this is the only change that has been presented presently." After discussion about whether the council should return the ordinance to Planning & Zoning for broader review, a motion to proceed was put to a vote; Max opposed but the motion carried.

Councilmembers discussed whether to hold a work session or give the Planning & Zoning Commission more time; the council did not record amendments in open session and did not adopt a final codified placement during the meeting.