Agenda Date: 05/05/2026
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 09-2026: An ordinance on first reading amending Title 4 Building Regulations Chapter 1, Building Codes, And Chapter 4 Mobile Homes And Mobile Home Parks of the City Code
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Tim Steinwinder, Chief Building Official |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
Proposal is to adopt the 2026 National Electrical Code and to repeal and reenact Title 4, Chapter 4 of the Municipal Building Code revising the manufactured home regulations.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
Staff is proposing a comprehensive update to several technical codes that govern building safety. The proposed updates include:
• Adopting the 2026 National Electrical Code, to maintain alignment with nationally recognized electrical safety codes.
• Modernization of the manufactured home code, which was originally adopted in 1971 and no longer reflects current construction practices, materials, or safety standards.
Staying current with adopted model codes is an outcome that council identified in the city’s strategic plan, Horizon 2027. Regular code updates promote life safety, reduce ambiguity for applicants and contractors, and support consistent enforcement. The proposed codes are widely used across Colorado and nationally, improving predictability for residents, builders, and inspectors.
Public engagement for code adoption is limited in scope due to the technical nature of the material. Outreach primarily occurs through routine interactions with contractors, design professionals, and partner agencies. Coordination occurred with South Metro Fire Rescue on the Fire Code amendments to ensure regional alignment and effective emergency response.
BACKGROUND:
The city relies on nationally recognized model codes developed by the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to regulate building construction and safety. These model codes are updated on a regular cycle to reflect advances in materials, technology, and best practices.
The city’s current manufactured home regulations date back to 1971 and are based on outdated standards that no longer align with modern manufactured housing design, installation methods, or state and federal requirements.
Updating codes on a predictable cycle helps ensure public safety, supports consistent enforcement, and reduces confusion for the development community.
Prior Actions or Discussions
N/A
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the 2026 National Electrical Code and the updated Manufactured Home Code.
ALTERNATIVES:
Choosing not to approve these code changes will create continued difficulties regulating our existing manufactured home parks.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Ordinance 09-2026 on first reading amending Title 4 Building Regulations Chapter 1, Building Codes, And Chapter 4 Mobile Homes And Mobile Home Parks of the City Code and to set the second reading and public hearing for May 19, 2026.