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Item 4C-4L Memo 2021 International Codes Page 1 S T A F F R E P O R T April 5, 2022 TO: City Council FROM: Ken Baker, Senior Director of Planning & Development Services SUBJECT: 2021 International Code Updates (Memo for Items 4C through 4L) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City of Southlake has traditionally always adopted the latest International Code Council’s construction codes as its local building codes along the with regional and local amendments. The codes are continually updated on the national level and are published every three years. The new 2021 International Codes have been reviewed by the Regional Codes Coordinating Committee, which includes several advisory boards comprised of local government officials, architects, engineers, contractors, educators, property management professionals, insurance representatives, builders and developers that provide expertise in various building science fields under the direction of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). The committee researches and provides recommendations on the standardization of municipal construction codes for the local area. The amendments suggested by this committee are recommended for adoption by local jurisdictions for all trades: commercial/residential building, electrical, plumbing/gas, mechanical, fire, energy, existing buildings, swimming pools and spas and property maintenance. The amendments include clarification of previous codes; updates for materials, design/methods of construction and equipment; and changes in life safety construction. The 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. DETAILS: In general, the 2021 International Codes provide clarification from previous code cycles. Significant changes and highlights of the proposed ordinances are detailed in each section below. Information provided below also include local and NCTCOG amendments which are historically adopted by Southlake and carried over with the new code cycle. 2021 International Building Code (IBC), Ordinance No. 1246. This code regulates all buildings not covered by the International Residential Code. The Code provides the minimum standards to safeguard the health and property regulation and controlling the use, occupancy, maintenance, repair, design, construction and quality of materials for buildings and structures within the city. The NCTCOG recommendations are followed except for some items 2021 International Codes Page 2 that are more clarification than actual code changes. Southlake follows the NCTCOG choice for group B cities as far as fire sprinkler options, protecting buildings 6,000 square feet or more. The 6,000 square foot fire sprinkler requirement remains unchanged from the current code. Some of the amendments to this ordinance include: new construction type designations for mass timber buildings of taller height, increase to structural rain load calculation requirements, vehicle charging stations location and space size, and required storm shelter occupant load calculations. 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), Ordinance No. 1247. The IECC addresses energy efficiency in several areas including cost savings, reduced energy usage, conservation of natural resources and the impact of energy usage on the environment. The NCTCOG amendments have been recommended for the IECC. Some of the amendments to this ordinance include a change in climate zones for Tarrant County. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), Ordinance No. 1248. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding: (1.) The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; (2.) Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; (3.) Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation; (4.) Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems. 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), Ordinance No. 1249. This code regulates the installation and maintenance of heating, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems. The NCTCOG amendments have been recommended for the IMC. 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), Ordinance No. 1250. This code regulates the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems including water and sewage and storm sewer piping systems and their fixtures. Landscape irrigation systems are also a part of the plumbing code. The Plumbing ordinance adopts amendments as recommended by NCTCOG. 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), Ordinance No. 1251. This code regulates installation and maintenance of fuel gas piping, fuel burning appliances and venting systems. Amendments to the Fuel Gas Code are recommended by the NCTCOG. 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), Ordinance No. 1252. This code regulates one and two-family dwellings and townhouses not over three stories high and accessory structures. The IRC regulates and controls the use, occupancy, maintenance, repair, design, construction and quality of materials for residential buildings and structures including building, electrical, energy conservation, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and fuel gas piping. Other than in the administrative chapter and appendix chapters the amendments are as recommended by NCTCOG. The residential sprinkler requirements for houses 6,000 square feet or more have not changed per state law. Some of the amendments to this ordinance include flashing at window and door openings to allow for better drainage of water to the surface of exterior wall finish, emergency escape and rescue openings require a clear 2021 International Codes Page 3 36-inch wide path to a public way, a surge-protection device required at the service panel and a GFCI receptacle for each parking bay. 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), Ordinance No.1253. This code regulates the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings. The IEBC also establishes safety requirements during construction and demolition of existing buildings. These standards are intended to protect the public from injury and adjoining property from damage. The Existing Building ordinance adopts amendments as recommended by NCTCOG. 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), Ordinance No. 1254. The ISPSC is a model code that regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pool, spas, hot tubes and aquatic facilities. This includes public swimming pools, public spas, aquatic recreation facilities, on-ground storable residential pools, and permanent in-ground residential pools. The ordinance adopting the ISPSC includes amendments as recommended by NCTCOG. 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), Ordinance No. 1255. This code provides minimum standards to safeguard the health, property and welfare of the citizens of Southlake by regulating and controlling the use, occupancy, maintenance, repair, vacation, removal, demolition, and abatement of substandard or dangerous buildings within the City. The IPMC provides minimum standards for the continued use and occupancy of all buildings regardless of the date of their construction and to provide for the giving of proper notice to the owner of a building and to provide for a public hearing to determine whether a building complies with the standards set out in this ordinance. NCTCOG recommends these model construction codes along with their respective amendments be adopted. These ordinances will have an effective date of May 1, 2022. CITIZEN INPUT: A SPIN Town Hall Forum will be held on April 12, 2022. BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS: March 21, 2022; Recommended approval (5-0) ACTION NEEDED: Consider 1st reading approval ATTACHMENTS: (A) Link to Powerpoint STAFF CONTACT: Ken Baker (817) 748-8067 Mike White (817) 748-8230