Agenda Date: 02/03/2026
Subject:
Title
Building Code Updates discussion
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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Matt Knight, Community Development Director |
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Presentations: |
Tim Steinwinder, Chief Building Official |
PURPOSE:
To update council on Staff’s plans to propose changes that modernize the city’s adopted construction and safety codes by revising the manufactured home regulations, adopting the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments, and adopting the 2026 National Electrical Code, consistent with prior council direction to remain on current code cycles. It is anticipated that these codes will be brought to council for consideration of adoption in the second quarter of 2026.
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, fire protection, and electrical systems within the city. The proposed updates include:
• Modernization of the manufactured home code, which was originally adopted in 1971 and no longer reflects current construction practices, materials, or safety standards.
• Adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) with locally tailored amendments developed by South Metro Fire Rescue to address regional hazards, operational needs, and enforcement consistency.
• Adoption of the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) to maintain alignment with nationally recognized electrical 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. Similarly, portions of the City’s fire and electrical codes are based on older editions, creating increasing divergence from current safety standards and neighboring jurisdictions.
Updating codes on a predictable cycle helps ensure public safety, supports consistent enforcement, and reduces confusion for the development community.
Prior Actions or Discussions
None
FISCAL IMPACTS:
There are no anticipated fiscal impacts associated with adoption of these codes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
There is no proposed recommendation associated with this item at this time; this is an update only.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
Proposed Motion