Title
Consider an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 8, Building and Construction Regulations, and Chapter 11, Fire Prevention and Protection, to adopt updated international building construction and fire codes.
Summary
DATE: January 18, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Earl Abbott, Building Official
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 ISO insurance ratings.
Currently, Killeen is enforcing the 2018 International Construction and Fire Codes and the 2017 National Electrical Code which became effective January 1, 2019.
On November 4, 2021, the Building Inspections staff and the Killeen Construction Board participated in two public meetings 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 November 9, 2021, after taking comments from the builders in attendance, the Board voted unanimously to recommend to City Council adoption of the 2021 International Construction Codes with one amendment, 2020 National Electrical Code, and the proposed amendments to Chapter 8 as presented. The one amendment recommended to the 2021 International Construction Code is to change the new attic insulation level from R49 back to R38 as it is currently in the 2018 Construction Code.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Approve the adoption of the 2021 International Construction Codes, 2021 International Fire Code, 2020 National Electrical Code and the proposed amendments to Chapter 8 and Chapter 11 as presented, with a suggested effective date of March 01, 2022.
2. Postpone or delay new code adoptions and amendments until the 2024 codes become available (Fall 2024).
3. Make amendments to the changes as presented.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Building Inspection and Fire Department staff both recommend approval of the draft 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 November 9, 2021, 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 expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this 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 expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends that City Council adopt 2021 International Construction Codes, the 2021 International Fire Code, the 2020 National Electrical Code, and 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