Title
Consider an ordinance amending Killeen Code of Ordinances Chapter 8, Building and Construction Regulations, and Chapter 11, Fire Prevention and Protection, to adopt the 2024 International Code Council Construction Codes, 2024 International Fire Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, and local amendments to Killeen Code of Ordinances Chapters 8, Building and Construction Regulations and Chapter 11, Fire Code.
Body
DATE: December 2, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Wallis Meshier, Executive Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Adoption of New Construction and Fire Codes
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
New construction codes become available in three-year cycles. By updating and adopting newer building construction and fire codes, the community is afforded safer buildings in which to live and work. Designers and builders have access to newer construction materials and methods and property owners are afforded lower insurance rates due to improved Insurance Services Office (ISO) insurance ratings.
Currently, Killeen is enforcing the 2021 International Construction and Fire Codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code which became effective March 1, 2022.
On October 16, 2025, the Building Inspections staff and the local Killeen Construction Board of Appeals (CBOA) participated in a public meeting to review the significant changes between the existing and proposed new construction codes and proposed changes to Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances. On October 16,2025, after taking comments from attending local builders, the Board voted unanimously to recommend to City Council adoption of the 2024 International Construction Codes, 2023 National Electrical Code, and the proposed amendments to Chapter 8 as presented.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Approve the adoption of the 2024 International Construction Codes, 2024 International Fire Code, 2023 National Electrical Code and the proposed amendments to Chapter 8 and Chapter 11 as presented, with a suggested effective date of January 1,2026.
2. Postpone or delay new code adoptions and amendments until the 2028 codes become available (Fall 2028).
3. Make amendments to the changes as presented.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Building Inspections and Fire Department staff both recommend adoption of the 2024 International Construction Codes, 2024 International Fire Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code as well as approval of the proposed changes to Chapters 8 and 11 as submitted. The adoption of new codes keeps Killeen up to date with the latest construction codes, and on October 16, 2025, the Killeen Construction Board of Appeals recommended these changes for adoption.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms to all applicable City Policies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
N/A
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends that City Council adopt the 2024 International Construction Codes, the 2024 International Fire Code, the 2023 National Electrical Code, and the proposed amendments to Chapter 8 and Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances as presented
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Development Services
Fire Department
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance
Summary of Changes
Presentation