HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0166) M&C 22-0141City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 03/08/22 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 22-0141
LOG NAME: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2021 I -CODES
SUBJECT
(ALL) Adopt Ordinances Adopting and Amending the 2021 Editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code,
International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code and the Fort Worth
Building Administrative Code and Adopt Ordinance Adopting and Amending the 2021 International Fire Code
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached seven ordinances which include the following:
1. Adoption of the 2021 International Building Code with local amendments as the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth;
2. Adoption of the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments as the Residential Code of the City of Fort Worth;
3. Adoption of the 2021 International Mechanical Code with local amendments as the Mechanical Code of the City of Fort Worth;
4. Adoption of the 2021 International Plumbing Code and the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code with local amendments as the Plumbing Code of
the City of Fort Worth;
5. Adoption of the 2021 International Existing Building Code with local amendments as the Existing Building Code of the City of Fort Worth;
6. Adoption of the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code; and
7. Adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code and local amendments.
DISCUSSION:
The Fire and Development Services Departments have worked to consolidate and coordinate the amendments in their respective Fire and
Building Codes into a single action before the City Council. The City of Fort Worth 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. Fort Worth 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 staff recommends adopting the 2021 International Codes as the construction
codes for the City of Fort Worth. The City will retain the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.
Construction codes change with the development of new products, materials, construction methods, technology and as a result of evaluations of
natural and man-made disasters. Adoption of current codes has a positive impact on the City's ISO rating.
The City of Fort Worth 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 Fire Prevention Board of Appeals, the AIA, the Fort Worth Builders Association, and TEXO
the Association of General Contractors. The Fort Worth Builders Association, the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors, the Development
Advisory Committee and the Construction Fire Prevention Board of Appeals have been briefed on the proposed amendments. The Construction
and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals recommended approval of the adoption of the Codes on February 10, 2022.
The construction code ordinances will have an effective date of April 1, 2022.
The attached ordinance for the Fire Department reflects transition of the Fort Worth Fire Code to the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) with Local
Amendments. All local amendments recommended for the 2021 IFC have been reviewed by the Fire and Development Services Departments and
have met the approval of the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals for recommended adoption at their public hearing on February
10, 2022.
This action impacts ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of these recommendations will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Dana Burghdoff 8018
Originating Business Unit Head: D.J. Harrell 8032
Additional Information Contact: Allison Gray 8030