13 & 14 Building Code Updates (2)

Home Browse Search

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 applicable State laws and with construction standards, advance the safety of building systems, and promote a common code interpretation between communities. The primary mission of the Building Department is to protect the lives and safety of the residents and visitors of the city of Paris, preserve the quality of life and contribute to lasting economic development. Keeping current by updating the Building Codes will improve the Building Department's ability to complete these tasks and assist the City's ability to promote safety, protect life, health, and wellbeing, for both our citizens and guests while keeping current our knowledge and methods in the safeguarding of life and property. As with all adopted codes in Texas, local jurisdictions can adopt amendments to better suit the community's needs, population, resources and response capabilities. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has a code committee and five advisory boards dedicated to the review and analysis of newly released codes. NCTCOG board then makes recommendations for amendments to the model codes, multiple jurisdictions throughout the State use the NCTOG recommendations in their Code adoption and amendment process. City Staff, mindful of our community's needs, growth, and emergency response capabilities, have reviewed the NTCOG recommendations; and after meeting with local general contractors, developers and trade contractors have developed a comprehensive list of amendments to the ICC Family of Codes 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. STAFFS RECOMMENDATION: In order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the City of Paris and its citizenry, we recommend you would approve the adoption of the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), along with the local amendments and appendixes as presented.