2018 ICode Memo

City of El Mirage — Regular Meeting (2023-05-16)

View PDF Item 5 Meeting page

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Development Services Department  
Building Safety Division 
10000 N El Mirage Road, El Mirage 85335 
623.251.3503; Fax 623.876.4607; TDD 623.933.3258 
www.elmirageaz.gov 
   
         
 
MEMORANDUM 
 
TO: 
Honorable Mayor, and members of the City Council 
THROUGH: Crystal Dyches, City Manager 
CC: 
Robert Nilles, Deputy City Manager 
FROM: 
Jorge Gastelum, Development Services Director/City Engineer 
 
Brigham Bennett, Building Official 
SUBJECT: 
2018 International Building and Fire Code Adoption with Local Amendments 
DATE: 
April 20, 2023 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
The adoption of the 2018 I-Codes will replace the 2012 I-Codes, as the currently adopted building and 
fire codes in the City of El Mirage.  The 2012 I-Codes have been in effect in El Mirage since 2014.  
 
BACKGROUND 
 
The International Code Council (ICC) was incorporated in 2003 at the request of the design and 
construction industry to develop a single set of comprehensive national model building and fire codes. 
Three regional building codes had been in use for more than 50 years previous to that time. The ICC 
strives to develop building and fire codes that are innovative and coordinated, efficient and effective, 
economically viable and practical. 
 
The City of El Mirage has utilized the International Building and Fire Codes since the 2003 Edition. 
The ICC publishes a new edition of the I-Codes every three years. The I-Codes are the most widely 
used model building and fire codes in municipalities throughout Maricopa County, Arizona and the 
United States. The I-Codes have also been adopted the US Military and by countries in South America, 
throughout the Caribbean, in Europe and in Saudi Arabia. Building Safety and Fire Prevention staff 
have worked collaboratively with other municipalities in the region to develop the proposed local 
amendments. These local amendments utilize regional best practices and are also developed to comply 
with Federal law, the Arizona Revised Statutes and the requirements of Maricopa County.

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IMPLEMENTATION 
 
The building and fire code adoption process requires the approval of the City Council to become 
effective by ordinance.  
 
RECOMMENDATION 
 
Building Safety and Fire Prevention Staff recommend the adoption of the 2018 I-Codes with local 
amendments to become the currently adopted building and fire codes in the City of El Mirage on July 
1, 2023.  The adoption of the ordinance can become effective in as soon as 30 days from approval, but 
staff feels this longer lead time to implementation is appropriate and helpful to our strategic 
development partners as they prepare upcoming projects for vertical construction.