2024 Suite of Codes Presentation and Adoption Update
 

Building Safety and Flagstaff Fire are proposing to adopt the latest suite of model construction codes developed by the International Code Council (ICC) and other nationally recognized standards organizations. The proposed codes, including local amendments, consist of the following:

• 2024 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
• 2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
• 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)
• 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)
• ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

The City of Flagstaff currently enforces the 2018 editions of the International Codes, including the 2018 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IECC, ISPSC, IFC, 2006 IWUIC, 2017 National Electrical Code, and ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. The proposed adoption would update the City’s construction regulations to the most current code editions and industry standards.
The International Code Council (ICC) updates and publishes model codes on a three-year cycle. Historically, the City of Flagstaff has adopted the codes every other cycle, or approximately every six years, which aligns with the adoption practices of many jurisdictions throughout Arizona. The proposed adoption continues this approach while allowing the City to benefit from advancements in building safety, resiliency, energy efficiency, accessibility, and construction technology.
Adopting the latest code editions provides numerous benefits to the community, including maintaining consistent minimum safety standards, protecting public health and welfare, incorporating modern construction methods and technologies, improving building performance and energy efficiency, increasing community resiliency, supporting sustainability goals, and helping reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs for building owners. Updated codes may also contribute to lower insurance premiums through enhanced construction standards and improved hazard mitigation measures.
Throughout the code adoption process, Building Safety, Sustainability, and Fire staff have worked collaboratively with stakeholders, industry professionals, Boards and Commissions, neighboring jurisdictions, and the public to evaluate the proposed code changes and develop local amendments tailored to the needs of the Flagstaff community.
The City Attorney’s Office is continuing its review of the proposed local amendments. Any substantive changes resulting from that review will be presented and identified during the Council work session and subsequent adoption hearings.

Throughout the past year, Building Safety, Sustainability, and Fire staff have worked collaboratively to evaluate the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) suite of codes and develop proposed local amendments that align with the City of Flagstaff's goals, priorities, and community needs. Significant effort has been dedicated to stakeholder outreach, public education, and engagement throughout the code adoption process.
Staff conducted multiple public outreach sessions and open houses, presented information to Boards and Commissions, the Chamber of Commerce, and various stakeholder groups, and utilized social media and other communication platforms to increase public awareness of the proposed code changes. Sustainability staff also conducted direct outreach and presentations to numerous organizations and stakeholders to discuss the proposed energy and sustainability-related provisions.
Building Safety met with the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals on four separate occasions to review the proposed code amendments and receive feedback and recommendations. Staff carefully evaluated the Board's recommendations and incorporated revisions where appropriate. Throughout the process, Building Safety, Sustainability, and Fire staff worked closely together to ensure the proposed codes and amendments support the City's adopted goals related to safety, sustainability, resiliency, housing, and long-term community development.
The outreach effort targeted a broad range of stakeholders, including internal City staff, contractors, design professionals, homeowners, developers, trade organizations, and representatives from other jurisdictions. To maximize public participation, Building Safety, Sustainability, and Fire hosted two community open houses and conducted additional outreach through inspection visits, email notifications, and direct communication with local design professionals and industry partners. Building Safety inspectors distributed informational flyers at inspection sites over a three-week period, while staff promoted participation through email, phone calls, and professional networks.
The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County also collaborated throughout the code adoption process, regularly sharing information and coordinating proposed amendments where feasible. This partnership helped promote consistency between jurisdictions and reduce potential challenges for contractors, design professionals, and property owners who routinely work across jurisdictional boundaries.
Attendance at the two public open houses totaled ten participants. In addition to comments received during public meetings and outreach events, staff received feedback through direct stakeholder discussions, Board of Appeals meetings, and ongoing coordination with industry professionals and partner agencies.