Camp Verde Chief Building Official Roxanne Jasman presented changes to the 2024 International Building Code to the Camp Verde Town Council at its work session on Jan. 28.
The most significant changes to the codes since 2019 and proposed amendments, she said, would better prepare council for the formal adopÂtion process. There are 11 codes from 2024 with amendments.
The town is keeping the International Energy Conservation Code at 2018 and not adopting a more recent version because of significant upfront expenses to both residential and commercial business owners. Jasman said the studies don’t show that the cost of construction and different design aspects outweigh the benefits. She added no neighboring jurisdictions are moving up to the 2024 IECC.
Councilwoman Robin Godwin asked if the cost of energy would be reduced for the homeowner on a monthly basis if they followed the energy codes. Jasman said there would be a large upfront cost and it would take years to recoup what they spent. A homeowner can choose to follow the updated energy codes, but the town is not requiring it because of the barriers and high cost of purchasing a new home.
Changes in the appendices to the International Residential Code include adding definitions for live/work units. These are dwelling or sleeping units where a significant portion of the space includes a non-residential use by the tenant. Sleeping loft definitions have also been added to the residential and building codes. Jasman said clariÂfying definitions in the code provides clear requirements for how certain structures should be built and helps the town enforce certain requirements based on the use of the structure.
Tiny houses have been added as an appendix to the residential code. Jasman proposed the council adopt this amendment because many people are trying to build affordable housing in Camp Verde.
Whole house surge protectors are now required in the code. Systems can cost anywhere from $40 to $400 and protect equipment within the home.
Changes to the commercial side of the building code include adding a
new definition for occupiable roofs and criteria for mass timber provisions. Carbon monoxide detection is now required in all occupancies with a CO producing device like a fireplace or gas stove. This was either not required previously or had provisions.
For automatic sprinkler systems, the fire area has been reduced to 5,000 square feet or less for all occupancies.
The wind load is currently 115 mph — Risk Category 4 — across the board in the town’s code, but the amended code assigns wind load based on risk category. If a building is Risk Category 1, which many of the town’s buildings fall under, then it’s only required to have a 100 mph wind design versus 115 mph, overall cutting costs down.
Changes to the code have allowed the town to better identify the number of toilet facilities required for a certain occupancy type, which can lower the number of bathrooms needed and give more space back to the occuÂpant while lowering construction costs.
Special event structures like tents and stages now have a definition with the IBC, when permits are required and how long those types of structures can stay up for.
Significant changes to the National Electric Code include expansion on battery storage for solar power systems and electric vehicle charging stations that provide clear direction on how those things need to be installed. Significant changes to the International Plumbing Code include water conservation advances and new provisions for support for buried piping.
Significant changes to the International Mechanical Code include alarms for leak detection and updated outdoor air ventilation criteria for dwelling units. Changes to the International Fuel Gas Code include added protecÂtion from fumes and gases.
Significant changes to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code include new requirements for slip-resistant deck surfaces and a secondary disinfection system for high-risk aquatic venues to better manage contamination.
The council will discuss and potentially adopt the codes at a later date
