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