Department of Community Development
Reference: Building Safety Code Ordinance
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Holly Prather, AICP, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Matt Rowland, Chief Building Official
Date Prepared: September 21, 2022
PURPOSE
This ordinance will update the City's Building Safety Code to the most current version. The ordinance also adopts set standards related to weather, geographic, and other specific items related to how buildings within the city are built. The proposed codes are for the construction and condition of the built environment only. They do not regulate land use or occupancy rights, other than controlling hazards.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
* Recognizable and Well-Planned Community
* Safe, Active and Engaged Community
NEW CODE TRANSITION STATEMENT
In the City's transition to the newly adopted code, applications submitted prior to the effective date of January 1, 2023, will be reviewed by staff using the Building Safety Codes currently in effect and such sections and criteria are referenced in this report. At the option of the applicant, after this ordinance is adopted, they may begin to submit permit applications for the current adoption or the new adoption until January 1, 2023. Any permit already issued or applied for may continue to construct under the current code until completion after January 1, 2023.
BACKGROUND
The current Building Safety Codes were adopted in October of 2020. These codes are now antiquated and may not reference new technology, methods, and materials that are now in use. In our most recent Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule Survey by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), it was recommended that we make every effort to adopt the latest edition of the Building Codes. This will increase our ISO score and may have a positive impact on fire insurance rates for our residents and busi...
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