COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Jeff Thuneman, Development Services Director
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion and Action: Ordinance No. 25-1370 Amending City Code Chapter 12.08, Building Codes, to Adopt Designated Updated Editions of Published Building Codes, Declaring as Public Records the Local Amendments to the Published Building Codes, and Adopting the Local Amendments by Reference (Introduction) (Steven Blake)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
N/A
PURPOSE:
To consider introduction of Ordinance No. 25-1370 amending City Code Chapter 12.08, Building Codes, to adopt designated updated editions of published building codes, declaring as public records the local amendments to the published building codes, and adopting the local amendments by reference.
BACKGROUND:
Lake Havasu City adopts various international and national building codes and supplements them with local amendments to address community-specific needs. These codes and amendments are adopted by reference, which requires the amendment documents to be declared public records. Formal adoption of the building codes and amendments will occur by ordinance at a later date.
Lake Havasu City currently operates under the 2018 International Building Code and is proposing to adopt the 2024 edition with local amendments. This update will align the City with current construction standards and maintain consistency with industry practices. Importantly, adopting the latest codes helps the City maintain a favorable classification with the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which can influence insurance rates for both residential and commercial properties.
Upon initial review, staff found minimal significant changes in the 2024 Codes compared to the last two code cycles.
In addition to the International Building Code, the City proposes adopting the following published codes with local amendments:
• 2024 International Residential Code
• 2024 International Mechanical Code
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2024 International Plumbing Code
• 2023 National Electrical Code
• 2024 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2024 International Existing Building Code
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The adoption of the updated published codes with local amendments will ensure the current safety regulations are being followed and updated technology is being utilized. In addition, the community could benefit from a positive financial impact on insurance rates by maintaining a favorable ISO rating.
The City values the community’s input on the proposed adoption of updated published codes with local amendments. Outreach efforts included notices in the newspaper, social media, the City website, and through the Chamber Building Industry Alliance. The Building Division posted the proposed amendments on the City’s website for a two-week public comment period, during which no feedback was received.
City staff have reviewed the code changes and found very few changes to the codes; therefore, no major local amendments are recommended. Following adoption, the building community will be informed of key changes from the current codes and the implementation process.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
To support a smooth transition, staff proposes a phased integration of the 2024 Code adoption. Customers may continue submitting plans based on the 2018 standards for up to 90 days following the effective date. Additionally, standard plans previously approved under the 2018 Code will remain valid for 180 days and will not require full plan set amendments.
Council retains the authority to establish the effective date upon approval. Staff recommends setting the effective date as February 1, 2026. Full implementation standards are provided in the attached document.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance No. 25-1370
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Building Code
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Residential Code
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Mechanical Code
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Fuel Gas Code
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Plumbing Code
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Existing Building Code
Track Changes to 2018 Intl Building Code Amendments
Track Changes to 2018 Intl Residential Code Amendments
Track Changes to 2018 Mechanical Code Amendments
Track Changes to 2018 Intl Fuel Gas Code Amendments
Track Changes to 2018 Intl Plumbing Code Amendments
Track Changes to 2017 Natl Electrical Code Amendments
Track Changes to 2018 Intl Property Maint Code Amendments
Track Changes to 2018 Intl Existing Building Code Amendments
2024 International Building Code Implementation Standards
2024 Letter to Contractors
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended Action
I move to introduce Ordinance No. 25-1370 amending City Code Chapter 12.08, Building Codes, to adopt designated updated editions of published building codes, declaring as public records the local amendments to the published building codes, and adopting the local amendments by reference.