Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 122 “Construction Regulations,” Article II, “Building Codes,” by Amending Sections 122-25 and 122-26 titled “International Building Code and International Residential Code Adopted” and “Amendments to Building and Residential Codes,” respectively, by Amending Section 122-30 titled “International Mechanical Code Adopted; Amendments,” by Amending Sections 122-31 and 122-32 titled “International Plumbing Code Adopted” and “Amendments to Plumbing Code,” respectively, by Amending Section 122-34 titled “International Fuel Gas Code Adopted,” by Amending Sections 122-35 and 122-36 titled “International Energy Conservation Code Adopted” and “Amendments to the Energy Conservation Code” respectively, by Amending Section 122-40 titled “International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Adopted,” by Adding Sections 122-41, 122-42 and 122-43 titled “Amendments to the “International Swimming Pool and Spa Code,” “International Existing Building Code Adopted” and “Amendments to International Existing Building Code,” respectively, all of which Amendments and Additions are for the purpose of Adopting the 2024 Editions of such International Codes and by the Adoption of Local Amendments to such International Codes including certain Amendments recommended by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, and repealing all conflicting Ordinances
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Safe & Secure Community
(6D: Pursue and maintain the highest Insurance Service Office (ISO) fire and building protection classification.)
MEETING DATE: August 19, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Building Inspections
CONTACT: Suzanne Arnold, Chief Building Official
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approve the proposed ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Every three years, the International Code Council (ICC) publishes new codes for the states and local municipalities to consider for adoption. Such codes must be adopted into ordinance to be effective.
• The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Regional Codes Coordinating Committee (RCCC) and its four Advisory Boards are comprised of local public and private code professionals who review the latest editions of the model construction codes and recommend uniform amendments for the North Central Texas region. The City of McKinney has historically adopted NCTCOG’s recommended amendments and seeks to do so again for the 2024 codes.
• The 2024 Model Codes (I-Code family) under consideration for recommendation to the City Council, include the following: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Swimming Pool Spa Code (ISPSC), and International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Currently, the City is utilizing the 2021 Editions of the IBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IECC, IRC, ISPSC, and IEBC, with local and NCTCOG amendments.
• City staff produced reports of the significant changes in each code which are published on the City’s website. Staff delivered presentations summarizing the changes in a public presentation before the Building and Standards Commission and held two public education meetings at City Hall. A synopsis of the most significant changes in the Model Codes is below:
§ BUILDING CODE/RESIDENTIAL CODE - Numerous new regulations have grown up around the use, storage, and manufacturing of lithium batteries for energy storage systems (ESS), including fire suppression and detection, as well as the physical protection of ESS battery systems.
§ BUILDING CODE - Adult changing stations are now required in certain large business and educational occupancies, as well as highway rest stops. These must meet accessibility requirements and be located within single-user toilet rooms.
§ BUILDING CODE - A new definition and regulations have been added for elevated PV support structures (carports and awnings supporting solar panels).
§ PLUMBING CODE - Tracer wire is now required for buried plastic sewer pipe to make it easier to locate.
§ PLUMBING CODE - A new local amendment has been added regarding the protection of the potable water system, which states that where there is a difference between the Code and our local backflow ordinance, the local ordinance shall apply.
§ FUEL GAS CODE - Gas pipe that is abandoned in place must be purged.
§ MECHANICAL CODE - The EPA has mandated a change in refrigerant type, which preserves the ozone layer but introduces a slightly more flammable substance into our systems. Many parts of the codes have grown to address this. A set of amendments from NCTCOG utilize newer tests to reduce the impact on construction by adjusting certain thresholds of the refrigerant’s use. This amendment reduces costs to developers by reducing the instances in which shafts must be constructed around refrigerant pipes.
§ POOL & SPA CODE - The code introduces a new definition of Increased Risk Aquatic Venue, which captures facilities for vulnerable populations such as young children and those with health conditions and adds a requirement for Secondary Disinfection Systems for therapy pools and children’s wading pools and water play features.
§ EXISTING BUILDING CODE - A modification clarifies that necessary structural repairs on historic buildings do not necessarily kick in additional upgrade requirements.
§ RESIDENTIAL CODE - A previous NCTCOG amendment required blocking for future grab bars in one first-floor bathroom of each single-family residence. This has been expanded to require blocking in the tub/shower area. These measures are intended to support aging in place.
§ RESIDENTIAL CODE - A new NCTCOG amendment requires all residential dwelling units to have an air conditioning system capable of cooling the air 20 degrees below ambient temperature. The code itself only requires heat.
§ ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE - Required values for insulation and fenestration R and U values, air leakage, and the Energy Rating Index (ERI) are more stringent.
• The adoption of the proposed code ordinance will bring the City of McKinney to a Code update cycle of approximately three years respective of the recommendations by the International Code Council and in line with the Codes adopted by area municipalities.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• On July 7, 2025, the Building and Standards Commission considered the 2024 Model Code adoption ordinance and amendments and voted unanimously to approve a recommendation for the City Council to adopt the presented changes, as written.