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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0003) IR 22-038 - 2021 International Building Code AdoptionINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS f ► [:+*all][: PRTFA 0r3 e �i f +�o s w r�rA 1@7'3 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council March 1, 2022 Page 1 of 1 �411 __Nx01111it+IO7+ ERIIII11114:1,I_1 III kl[c][d9I1l:V_1Biel i9[0I'kl The March 8 City Council agenda will include an M&C for the adoption of the 2021 International Building Codes. The purpose of this IR is to discuss the process and collaboration involved in the code adoption process. The International Code Council is the non-profit organization that develops the building codes on a three-year cycle. The City of Fort Worth (City) has adopted model codes from the International Code Council (ICC), with local amendments, as the construction codes for the City since 2004. These model codes are reviewed and updated annually through a national code adoption process. Every three years these changes are codified and published for local adoption. The City has historically adopted newly published Codes every six years, most recently adopting the 2015 Codes in 2016. The 2021 edition of ICC codes are the latest published version offered for adoption. Development Services and Fire Department staff recommend adopting the 2021 International Codes as the construction codes for the City. The adoption of these codes helps to ensure the safety and suitability of the built environment in Fort Worth for our residents, businesses and visitors. The City's local amendments are based on the amendments recommended for regional adoption by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and our local practices. A committee was formed to review the City's local amendments including representatives from the Development Advisory Committee, the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals, the American Institute of Architects, the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, and TEXO the Construction Association, an association of general Contractors. This committee has met many times over the last several months reviewing the proposed local amendments. The Fort Worth Builders Association, the Development Advisory Committee and the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals have been briefed on the proposed local amendments. The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals recommended approval of the adoption of the Codes with the exception of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code after a p u b I is h ea ri ng o n February 10, 2022. The codes to be adopted include the 2021 version of the International Building Code, Residential Code, Fire Code, Existing Building Code, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Mechanical, all with local amendments. The City will retain the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. The Fort Worth Building Administrative Code which serves as the administrative, organizational, and enforcement rules and regulations for the building codes, including information about when permits are required, certificates of occupancy, who may apply for permits and our fee schedule will also be amended and adopted. The construction code ordinances are planned to have an effective date of April 1, 2022. All building permit applications submitted priorto April 1 will be reviewed under our currently adopted codes. If you have any questions please contact Allison Gray, Building Official, at 817-392-8030. David Cooke City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS