Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3948 amending Chapter 22, Article VII.6 of the Farmers Branch Code of Ordinances by adopting the 2024 edition of the International Existing Building Code IEBC with certain additions, deletions, and amendments; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Community Services
BACKGROUND:
The City is proposing to adopt the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) for the first time. The IEBC, published by the International Code Council (ICC), establishes minimum requirements for the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, and relocation of existing buildings.
The adoption of the IEBC will:
• Encourage the reuse, repair, renovation, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, supporting sustainable development and historic preservation efforts.
• Provide flexible compliance options that allow property owners to update buildings in a safe, cost-effective manner without requiring full compliance with all provisions of new construction codes, unless necessary for safety.
• Promote economic development by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers for redevelopment projects, making it more feasible for property owners and developers to reinvest in older structures.
• Improve public safety by ensuring that all renovations, regardless of scope, meet a recognized standard for structural integrity, fire protection, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
DISCUSSION:
The IEBC is widely used across the United States and aligns with the City’s commitment to responsible growth, sustainability, and preservation of community character. Adoption of this code will also help ensure consistency in building regulation, facilitate smoother plan review and permitting processes, and provide clearer guidance to architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners.
The proposed change introduces the most current edition, the 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC). Some notable amendments from the 2021 edition to the 2024 IEBC include:
1. Deleted Flood Hazard sections that are administered by the Public Works Department.
2. Added Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) criteria that are not addressed.
3. Added fire sprinkler protection and fire alarm requirements to prevent partial protection.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Financial Impact
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3948 as presented.
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3948 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3948