Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3943 amending Chapter 22, Article III of the Farmers Branch Code of Ordinances by adopting the 2024 edition of the International Building Code with certain additions, deletions, and amendments; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Community Services Department
BACKGROUND:
The City has been enforcing the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) since January 1, 2020. Staff’s proposed adoption of the 2024 IBC maintains alignment with current industry standards, best practices, and regional code consistency through the North Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG).
DISCUSSION:
Council will discuss updating to the most current edition of the IBC, the 2024 edition. Some notable changes to the 2024 IBC are:
1. Adopting the following Appendices: Appendix A “Employee Qualifications, Appendix B “Board of Appeals”, Appendix C “Agricultural Buildings”, Appendix F “Rodent Proofing”, Appendix G “Flood-Resistant Construction”, Appendix I “Patio Covers”, Appendix J “Grading”
2. Deleting and renumbering certain items is exempt from permits.
3. Updating the time limitation for a permit application from 180 days to 120 days and authorizing extensions of time not to exceed 90 days each.
4. Updating permit abandonment from 180 days to 120 days and authorizing extensions of time not to exceed 120 days.
5. Doing work without a permit will incur a double permit fee. This change adds a minimum fine for work without a permit of $500.
6. Updating Chapter 9 of the IBC to match the International Fire Code (IFC) amendments.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed fee of $500 for work performed without a permit is presented in Appendix A, Fee Schedule change.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3943 as presented.
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3943 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3943