FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Flagstaff City Council is scheduled to take its first formal look Tuesday at a sweeping update to the city’s building, energy and fire codes that could change requirements for future construction throughout Flagstaff.
Council members will consider the first read of the proposed 2024 Suite of Building and Fire Codes during the Sept. 15 meeting.
According to the City, the updates are intended to bring Flagstaff’s construction regulations in line with newer industry standards and improve building safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, wildfire resiliency and construction technology.
Some of the more significant proposed changes include higher snow-load requirements for buildings, improved plumbing efficiency standards and new requirements affecting future residential construction.
Under the proposed Energy Code, newly constructed homes would be required to be solar-ready, electric-appliance-ready and EV-charging-ready. New construction would also be required to include radon mitigation measures.
Changes proposed under the Wildland Urban Interface Code would require new homes in applicable areas to use noncombustible materials intended to improve resistance to wildfire.
City officials say the proposed codes are designed to give builders several options for meeting efficiency and resiliency standards rather than requiring every project to follow the same construction approach.
The City says the changes could also provide long-term savings for homeowners through lower utility costs and by reducing the need for future retrofits. Officials also believe stronger construction and hazard-mitigation standards could potentially improve insurance availability or reduce insurance costs.
City staff developed the proposed amendments after working with construction industry representatives, boards and commissions, neighboring jurisdictions and members of the public.
A more detailed presentation on the proposed changes was given to the Flagstaff City Council during its Sept. 8 meeting.
Tuesday’s action is a first read of the proposed codes and does not by itself represent final adoption.
