The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.

None. 

Ms. Pearthree introduced the board and purpose. This board does not meet often and there are new members. Board members, City staff, and Shums Coda staff (who working with the City to support the Building and Fire Code update) introduced themselves and background. 

Board members  spoke of the history of who has held the position and who might best fit it currently. 

Moved by Mitchell Walzer, seconded by Kenneth Krenke to appoint Jacob Conger as Chair

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Board members discussed the history of Vice Chair and who currently is able to fill the role. 

Moved by Kenneth Krenke, seconded by Mitchell Walzer to appoint David Merrell as Vice Chair.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Ms. Pearthree provided background information and the timeline. The Building and Fire Code of Appeals process is underway, with amendments being drafted soon. The first Board of Appeals meeting is held on September 15, 2025. Staff will visit several City Commissions in October to present options for advancing code amendments. Three open houses (two in-person, one virtual) are planned, with a possible fourth Board meeting if major changes occur. A Council work session is scheduled for early December, followed by a first read of the amendment for potential code adoption in January 2026, and the code, if adopted, will take effect in February 2026.

Ms. Tressler reviewed the Key Code Changes documentation that was provided to Commissioners and asked if there were any questions on the material. The Board reviewed key 2018–2024 code changes. Vice Chair Merrell discussed updates to snow loads, including site-specific snow loads, shifting from "roof snow loads" to "ultimate snow loads," and potential impacts on construction costs, particularly for engineered structures. He also expressed concerns about the potential for increased construction costs associated with the special review of metal buildings. Chair Conger highlighted new requirements for building commissioning and energy efficiency testing. Ms. Pearthree discussed a future presentation to City Council to seek direction on four potential energy code update options that City staff could explore as part of the larger Building and Fire Code update process, given Flagstaff's adopted climate goals and the large number of appendices in the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The Board discussed EV (electric vehicle) chargers, solar-ready provisions, and net-zero-ready construction. Board members indicated a desire to balance energy efficiency improvements, including potential utility cost savings, with impacts on housing construction costs, and expressed concerns about code changes raising construction costs. Mr. Walzer inquired whether the City is coordinating with the County. Ms. Tressler responded that there is coordination, although alignment is difficult due to differences in size, climate zones, and resources. Mr. Chapman discussed potential updates to the City's Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code, including staff's review and analysis of requiring a wildfire buffer, and weighing higher construction costs against potential benefits to insurance premiums. Ms. Tressler indicated that staff still need to conduct a legal review of the new codes. Ms. Pearthree discussed the City's upcoming ADU model plans library and how site-specific snow loads may impact the feasibility of model plans. Vice Chair Merrell requested clarification on how code changes will affect remodels. 

Discussion on availability for the next meeting, October 2nd appears to be available. Staff is going to work on confirming this for the Commission. 

None. 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:19 p.m.