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ITEM 8 |
City Council Memorandum Development Services Memo No.
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Date: |
February 7, 2022 |
To: |
Mayor and Council |
Thru: |
Joshua H. Wright, City Manager Andy Bass, Deputy City Manager Derek D. Horn, Development Services Director Shicheng Tao, Building Official |
From: |
Catherine Flores, Management Analyst |
Subject: |
Introduction and tentative adoption of Ordinance No. 4993 adopting the 2021 Editions of the International Building, Residential, Energy Conservation, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, Swimming Pool and Spa Codes, and the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code with local amendments |
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Move City Council introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 4993, adopting the 2021 editions of the International Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Swimming Pool and Spa Codes, and the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code, with local amendments. |
The City of Chandler adopts model construction codes, with certain local amendments, to govern construction, remodeling, and renovation of structures within the city. These codes provide a base level of safety for the occupants of buildings constructed in Chandler and offer consistency for builders and developers across jurisdictions in Maricopa County. The model codes are developed and published by the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and are adopted by most jurisdictions in the United States and some in other countries. These codes are developed in a public process that includes participation of many technical experts, regulators, and affected organizations. The codes are updated through committee and public hearings on a continuous basis to keep abreast of research on building performance and advances in technology. New editions are published on a three-year cycle; the City previously adopted its current versions of the ICC and NFPA codes in December 2018, with an effective date of July 2019. The Chandler Board of Appeals, an appointed citizen advisory commission of the Mayor and City Council, held five meetings with the initial meeting held May 13, 2021. Staff presented the significant changes to each code along with proposed local amendments and/or changes from past amendments. At the August 26, 2021, Board meeting, a motion was introduced recommending City Council adopt the 2021 codes with amendments as proposed by staff. The motion was approved 4-0 with one member absent. The City also engaged construction industry stakeholders in the update process. A representative from the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona was provided meeting agendas and copies of proposed amendments. This representative attended four of the Board meetings and introduced proposed amendments on behalf of his organization, several of which are included in the proposed ordinance. The Arizona Multi-Housing Association was also invited to participate in the review process. Proposed Amendments: The local amendments proposed by staff and supported by the Board of Appeals are minimal in comparison to some jurisdictions, as the model codes are well-vetted through the national hearing processes and few amendments are needed. The recommended amendments are primarily to align the codes with state statutes, local zoning regulations, and long-standing local fire sprinkler requirements for consistency. Staff have also proposed minor changes to the energy conservation code to address concerns of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. A summary of notable proposed changes is attached to this memorandum. For the purpose of regional comparison, the cities/towns of Scottsdale, Peoria, and Cave Creek are currently working on adopting the 2021 codes. In addition to ensuring the safety of the built environment, the 2021 codes serve an important secondary purpose of promoting national recognized construction and public safety codes and regional consistency for builders who perform work in multiple jurisdictions throughout the Valley. A related item for adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code was reviewed by the Board of Appeals concurrently with these proposed codes and appears on this City Council agenda. Summary of Public Review/Stakeholder Outreach:
- The proposed amendments were presented, reviewed, and recommended by the City of Chandler Board of Appeals in public meetings held during August 2021, where action was taken on the proposed codes. The Board made its recommendation to City Council to adopt the 2021 codes with amendments as proposed by staff during the August 26, 2021, Board of Appeals meeting.
- Staff met with representatives of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA) and Arizona Multifamily Association to discuss the codes and invite their participation in the process. Several recommendations proposed by HBACA are incorporated in the recommended code updates.
- A link to the draft code amendments was posted on the City’s website.
- As of the writing of this memo, Development Services staff is not aware of any opposition to the proposal.
Board of Appeals Vote Report: Motion to approve. In Favor: 4 Opposed: 0 Absent: 1 (Cullumber) Recommended Action: The Chandler Board of Appeals and Development Services Department staff recommend City Council adopt the 2021 editions of the International Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Swimming Pool and Spa Codes, and the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code with local amendments. |