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STATUS OF ISSUE: Many municipalities, counties, and jurisdictional authorities in Texas have adopted, or plan to adopt the 2021 ICC codes as their official codes. In Texas' current 88th Legislative Session HB 2409 would make the 2021 IBC & IRC the Municipal Commercial and Residential Building Codes for the State of Texas (Effective date September 1, 2023). Updating the model codes will keep the City of Paris current with construction standards, advance the safety of building systems, and promote a common code interpretation between communities. Updating the IFC will assist in the City of Paris' ability to promote safety and protect life, health, and wellbeing for both our citizens, and guests while keeping current in our knowledge and methods in the safeguarding of life and property from fire, explosion, and other hazards throughout our community. Updating the IFC will also assist the Fire Department in achieving the Texas Fire Chiefs Association Best Practices designation. This designation requires that the fire department adopt a process for review and adoption of the Fire/Life Safety codes and building codes. The version(s) adopted should be no more than one edition older than the most current version of the code(s). As with all adopted codes in Texas, local jurisdictions can adopt amendments to better suit the community's needs. Since 1967, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has actively promoted the standardization of model construction codes in an effort to simplify the construction process, advance the safety of building systems, promote common code interpretation, facilitate the mobility of contractors, and reduce training and construction costs. NCTCOG's Regional Codes Coordinating Committee (RCCC) and its five Advisory Boards comprised of local public and private code professionals continually review the latest editions of the model construction codes and recommend uniform amendments for the North Central Texas region. The RCCC and its five code advisory boards encourage the adoption of NCTCOG recommended model codes and regional amendments to reduce the variation of local construction codes in the region. By encouraging cities to adopt standardized codes and regional amendments, NCTCOG has helped North Central Texas municipalities reduce cost and increase efficiency in the training of personnel involved in plans review, inspections, etc. These efforts have also made it easier for contractors, builders, and developers to do work from city to city throughout the region, thereby reducing overall construction costs. City Staff, mindful of our community's needs, growth, and emergency response capabilities, have reviewed the recommendations and developed a comprehensive list of amendments to the IFC that will reinforce consistent application and enforcement while improving the City in the areas of public safety, health, welfare and development. BUDGET: This ordinance has no fiscal impact. Resource materials and training are included in the 2022-2023 budget. STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION: That in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the City of Paris and its citizenry, we recommend you approve the adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) along with the local amendments as presented.