Discuss International Code Council Updates / Status
Staff Report & Agenda Item Details
On May 26, 2026, staff presented an overview of the proposed update to the City's building and construction codes. The city currently operates under the 2018 International Codes, which were formally adopted on October 12, 2020. Staff explained that the International Codes are periodically updated to reflect changes in construction practices, technology, safety standards, and industry practices. Staff presented a proposed transition to the 2024 editions of the applicable International Codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), and International Existing Building Code (IEBC), along with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NCTCOG Regional Amendments. The May presentation identified several broad themes associated with the proposed update, including increased life-safety protections, energy efficiency, resiliency, modernization of construction standards, improved clarity for inspections and enforcement, and greater consistency with regional standards. Council Inquiries Throughout the presentation, Council requested that staff provide additional information addressing the following: Significant changes from the 2018 to 2024 code editions of particular note. Notable NCTCOG Regional Amendments. How the updated codes will address older buildings and existing properties while maintaining appropriate safety standards without unnecessarily requiring complete compliance with current new-construction requirements. Whether the City should adopt the 2026 National Electrical Code rather than the 2023 NEC originally proposed. Staff Follow-Up 1. Significant Changes from the 2018 to 2024 Codes The proposed adoption represents a six-year advancement from the City's current 2018 codes and incorporates ch