Staff recommends that Council review this item, provide feedback, and move it forward for adoption of the 2018 suite of codes at the June 4th Council Meeting.

Building Safety is proposing to move forward with adopting the latest suite of model building codes. The proposed codes with local amendments include: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2018 International Fuel-Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Solar Energy Provisions (ISEP), 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2017 NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (NEC) and A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities.

The last code adoption occurred in 2013 when the City of Flagstaff adopted the 2012 International Codes. The current adopted codes are as follows: 2012 IBC, 2012 IRC, 2012 IEBC, 2012 IMC, 2012 IPC, 2012 IFGC, 2009 IECC, 2011 NEC and A117.1-2009 Standard for Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities. At the time of the 2012 code adoption, it was decided to adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code instead of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.

The International Code Council (ICC), a developer and publisher of model codes, is on a 3-year code update cycle, however, the City of Flagstaff has opted to adopt the model codes every other cycle, or every 6 years. Flagstaff’s adoption cycle aligns with most other jurisdictions across Arizona.

There are many benefits to adopting the latest versions of the suite of codes. Benefits include providing consistent minimum standards, protecting consumers, keeping up with new technology, increased energy and cost savings and lower insurance premiums to name a few.

The City Attorney's Office is still reviewing the proposed local amendments. If any changes are made to the proposed amendments as a result of that review, those changes will be identified at the June 4th Council Meeting.

Throughout the past year Building Safety has been working hard on public outreach training sessions, open houses, presenting to other Boards and Commissions, advertising on the local radio show and in the newspaper as well as social media. Building Safety met with the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals on three occasions and received recommendations on the proposed code amendments. We also met with Sustainability staff to ensure the proposed codes and amendments align with the Climate Action and Adaption Plan. The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County partnered together to provide 10 public outreach training sessions over the course of 9 months addressing all substantial code changes as well as training on the proposed codes. At the conclusion of the 10 training sessions, we recorded an overall attendance of 257 people. Their professions ranged from internal staff, contractors, design professionals, homeowners, developers and staff from other jurisdictions.

Building Safety also hosted 2 open houses to allow for as much community involvement as possible. The attendance of both open houses combined was 18 people.