AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2015-21, on the second of two readings, revising and updating Chapter 14, Buildings and Building Regulations, of the City Code; including procedural provisions; and providing for penalties.
Body
Meeting date: July 7, 2015
Department: Planning & Development Services
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
CITY COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Place for San Marcos
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOAL ELEMENTS: Economic Development, Neighborhood and Housing, Land Use
BACKGROUND:
The Building Code is adopted under Chapter 14 of the City's Code of Ordinances.
The International Building Code (IBC) is a publication that creates guidelines for the construction of new buildings and changes or additions to existing buildings. It is maintained by the International Code Council and updated on a three year publication cycle. Jurisdictions choose which version of the IBC to adopt and San Marcos is currently operating under the 2009 IBC. Historically, the City has adopted amendments on a five year cycle to facilitate consistency for contractors and inspection practices. The five year adoption cycle coincides with the Insurance Standards Organization (ISO) timeline and assists in the reduction of insurance costs, as well as providing cost consistency for developers and contractors on a five year project cycle. The 2009 IBC was adopted on September 7, 2010.
Staff is proposing Code amendments to adopt the 2015 version of the IBC and to make other necessary changes to the Building Code.