Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 6/4/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 8C4
ACTION:  PUBLIC HEARING ITEM Hold the second and final public hearing to adopt an ordinance 
amending Tempe City Code Chapter 8 and Chapter 14 by repealing the existing Chapter 8, relating to 
Buildings and Building Regulations, and Chapter 14, relating to Fire Prevention and Protection, and 
adopting the following Tempe Construction Code, which consists of the Tempe Administrative Code 
(TAC), the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), the 
International Existing Building Code (IEBC), the International Mechanical Code (IMC), the International 
Plumbing Code (IPC), the International Fuel Gas Code, (IFGC), the International Energy Conservation 
Code (IECC), the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), the International Swimming Pool & 
Spa Code (ISPSC), the International Fire Code (IFC) and the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), and 
all Amendments thereto. The first public hearing was held on May 14, 2026. (Ordinance No. O2026.24)
FISCAL IMPACT:  There is no fiscal impact on City funds.
RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt Ordinance No. O2026.24.
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  The Community Development Department’s Building Safety 
Division and City of Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department began reviewing new building codes and 
materials in September 2024, with the intention of replacing the 2018 codes adopted in 2019.  Public 
comments were solicited and corrections and adjustments were made.  In conjunction with several other 
departments, amendment recommendations were reviewed by the Building Safety Code Committee, 
and the Technical Code Advisory Board (TCAB) and by a unanimous vote of 8-0, it has been 
recommended by TCAB for moving the 2024 Tempe Construction Code forward to Council. In our effort 
to develop building codes that provide flexibility and create a usable and applicable code and 
amendments while still maintaining a safe and secure environment, the attached amendments, along 
with the referenced code, were developed and are recommended for adoption. 
With City Council’s tentative approval of the base codes and local Tempe Construction Code 
Amendments, the Building Official recommends a six-month grace period from July 1, 2026, through 
December 31, 2026, during which permit applications may be submitted under either the current 2018 
City of Tempe Codes and Amendments or the newly adopted 2024 Codes and Amendments. Beginning 
January 1, 2027, submittals under the 2018 codes will no longer be accepted unless substantial 
progress has been made or as otherwise determined at the discretion of the Building Official.
ATTACHMENTS:    
1. ORD O2026.24 2024 TEMPE CONSTRUCTION CODE - FINAL.DOCX
2. TEMPE CONSTRUCTION CODE - EXHIBIT A.DOCX
3. TEMPE CONSTRUCTION CODE - EXHIBIT B.DOCX
4. TEMPE CONSTRUCTION CODE - EXHIBIT C.DOCX
STAFF CONTACT(S):  John Earhart, Interim Deputy Community Development Director - Building 
Safety, (480) 350-8590
Department Director:  Jeff Tamulevich, Community Development Director  
Legal review by:  Eric Anderson, City Attorney
Prepared by:  John Earhart, Interim Deputy Community Development Director - Building Safety