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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
October 30, 2025
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on
October 30, 2025, at 7:30 a.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT
COUNCIL ABSENT
OFFICERS PRESENT
Mark Freeman
Scott Somers
Jennifer Duff
Alicia Goforth
Francisco Heredia*
Julie Spilsbury
Rich Adams
Ken Cost
Holly Moseley
Jim Smith
(*Participated in the meeting through the use of video conference equipment.)
Mayor Freeman conducted a roll call.
Mayor Freeman excused Councilmember Adams from the entire meeting.
1.
Review and discuss items on the agenda for the November 3, 2025, Regular Council meeting.
All of the items on the agenda were reviewed among Council and staff and the following was
noted:
Conflict of interest: None
Items removed from the consent agenda: None
Real Estate Manager Lisa Davis introduced City Engineer Lance Webb, Water Resource Director
Christopher Hassert and displayed a PowerPoint presentation regarding agenda Item 5-b,
(Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement for Exchange of
Real Property and Escrow Instructions with Sunshine Acres Children’s Home to exchange
a portion of the City-owned real property located at 3511 North Higley Road (APNs 141-40-
008; -003V; -003W; and -009) for a portion of the real property with APN 141-40-007A
located at the northeast corner of North Higley Road and East Longbow Parkway, to be
developed with a new City sewer lift station. (District 5)), on the Regular Council meeting
agenda. (See Attachment 1)
Ms. Davis provided an overview of a proposed property exchange between the City of Mesa and
Sunshine Acres to secure a better site for a sewer lift station near Higley Road and Longbow
Parkway. She advised the City intends to trade its parcels north of the site for a Sunshine Acres
corner parcel appraised at $462,000. She shared a proposed layout for the sewer lift station and
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Page 2
commented that the new location is more suitable in terms of logistics, timing, and cost, and will
support future development in the area. (See Pages 2 and 3 of Attachment 1)
Ms. Davis explained that the City’s parcels were originally purchased in 1984 in coordination with
an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) agreement, and are remnants left after
construction of the Loop 202. She added the site is challenging and the land is currently leased
to Sunshine Acres for storage. She stated that the land exchange involves no monetary
transaction and will save the City money, time, and expenses, and Sunshine Acres is a good
asset to the City. She advised that staff is recommending approval for this property exchange.
(See Pages 4 through 6 of Attachment 1)
In response to a question from Councilmember Goforth, Mr. Hassert explained that the lift station
is a component of a regional wastewater collection plan designed to address existing wastewater
collection challenges in the area.
In response to multiple questions from Councilmembers, Mr. Webb clarified that the location was
selected as the best site based on the needs of Sunshine Acres and the future development in
that area. He explained that the lift station will receive flow from both Higley Road and 56th Street,
with two separate sewer runs converging north of the Loop 202 near Thomas Road, and the value
of the proposed site is a cost savings worth millions of dollars.
Responding to a request from Mayor Freeman for an update regarding agenda Item 4-b, (Fire
Station 205 Rebuild - Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Guaranteed Maximum Price
(GMP) No. 2 of 2 (District 2)), on the Regular Council meeting agenda, City Engineer Lance
Webb explained that staff is going through the process of evaluation and abatement and
anticipate construction efforts beginning in early December.
2-a.
Hear a presentation, discuss, and receive an update on Mesa's Workforce Development Strategic
Plan.
Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell introduced Education and Workforce
Administrator Sarah Tolar and displayed a PowerPoint presentation. (See Attachment 2)
Ms. O’Donnell outlined the history of the Workforce Development and Education Program,
emphasizing that educational attainment is essential to workforce competitiveness, economic
prosperity, and attracting high-wage jobs. She discussed the initiatives that have taken place
beginning in 2010, and the partnerships the City has with nonprofits and other institutions on
workforce development activities. (See Page 2 of Attachment 2)
Ms. O’Donnell compared Arizona’s education progress to surrounding cities and noted the
statewide goal of having 60% of working-age adults earn a postsecondary credential by 2030,
highlighting challenges and collaborative efforts to meet this target. (See Page 3 of Attachment
2)
Councilmember Goforth challenged the effectiveness given declining metrics since 2001 and
questioned what programs are working versus not working.
Ms. O’Donnell stated that the Mesa College Promise Program is a key driver of progress, noting
its growth from about 50 students in its first cohort to approximately 250 students enrolled
annually.
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Page 3
Ms. O’Donnell explained that the City serves as a neutral convener, partnering with school
districts and post-secondary institutions to improve educational attainment, which directly impacts
community prosperity and workforce readiness. She expressed the opinion that higher levels of
education within a community contribute to greater prosperity and expanded opportunities. (See
Page 4 of Attachment 2)
Responding to multiple questions from Vice Mayor Somers, Ms. Tolar reported that data can be
customized down to detailed levels, including grade-level outcomes, but emphasized that
improving education and workforce readiness requires a community-wide effort. She clarified that
the data does not capture every single postsecondary degree, only those who provide data, but
all are accredited institutions. She indicated that research will be conducted on the increase in
post-high-school enrollment between 2006 to 2008 and she will report back to Council.
Councilmember Spilsbury emphasized that education and workforce outcomes are influenced by
many factors, including economic conditions, and that the City’s role is to convene partners, use
data, and support programs that are demonstrating success.
Ms. O’Donnell outlined the City’s approach to building a future-ready talent pipeline and identified
key stakeholders involved in workforce development efforts. She described the City’s role of
playing a part in that ecosystem, emphasizing that success depends on collaboration. (See Pages
5 through 7 of Attachment 2)
Ms. Tolar reviewed the strategic priorities that will align with workforce development efforts and
explained how outcomes are tracked through a public-facing dashboard. She described quarterly
convenings led by Economic Development that bring together education partners to align industry
growth, job demand, and educational programming, fostering collaboration rather than
competition. She emphasized Mesa’s focus on building long-term, systemic partnerships and the
benefits of those intentional connections. She discussed the priority of increasing postsecondary
attainment through initiatives such as Read on Mesa, the Mesa Family Resource Center, and the
Mesa College Promise Program to prepare the future workforce. She presented a chart illustrating
why educational attainment is critical, noting that future job growth will require a wide range of
credentials, from entry-level to advanced degrees. (See Pages 8 through 16 of Attachment 2)
Mayor Freeman emphasized that education is foundational to Mesa’s success, and encouraged
learning from other cities such as Chandler, who have higher educational attainment to build
similar expectations across Mesa.
Ms. O’Donnell advised that Chandler’s high educational attainment reflects a strong family culture
that values postsecondary education, and she emphasized the importance of building similar
awareness across Mesa and the state so families understand the value of pursuing education or
training after high school, whether through degrees or certificates.
Mayor Freeman requested that internal city internship programs be pursued.
Mayor Freeman thanked staff for the presentation.
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Page 4
2-b.
Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on amending the Mesa City Code (Building
and Fire Regulations), to adopt the 2024 International Codes with amendments. The 2024
International Codes include: Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Energy
Conservation, Existing Building, Swimming Pool and Spa, and 2023 National Electrical Code.
Development Services Deputy Director John Sheffer introduced Fire Marshal Shawn Alexander
and displayed a PowerPoint presentation. (See Attachment 3)
Mr. Sheffer provided background information on updating from the 2018 edition to the 2024 edition
of International Codes. He noted the codes are not retroactive and primarily apply to new
construction. He explained that the codes are published every three years by the International
Code Council and cover building, fire, plumbing, electrical, energy, residential and mechanical
codes. (See Pages 2 and 3 of Attachment 3)
Mr. Sheffer pointed out that the updates do not require new permits or new fees and the existing
structure remains in place. He highlighted the benefits of the updates include addressing new
technologies like battery energy storage systems (BESS) and improving the City’s Insurance
Service Office (ISO) insurance rating, and maintaining consistency with other cities. He noted that
many Valley cities have already adopted the 2024 codes, while others are in the process. (See
Pages 4 and 5 of Attachment 3)
Mr. Sheffer explained that local amendments are needed to address Mesa’s specific needs, serve
local purposes, and remain business friendly. He recognized the challenges the codes can pose
to small businesses and described how the amendments will benefit by reducing burdens while
remaining consistent with other cities. He discussed additional amendments related to water
conservation, setbacks measured at wall framing for homes, and optional accessibility guidelines,
all based on the development community input. (See Pages 6 through 8 of Attachment 3)
Mr. Sheffer explained that updated energy codes will improve efficiency by about 7%, with modest
construction cost increases offset by energy savings within three to four years, providing long-
term benefits. (See Page 9 of Attachment 3)
Fire Marshal Alexander discussed other significant changes proposed to fire and life safety
amendments aimed at being business-friendly, including reduced sprinkler requirements for
remote, non-combustible buildings with minimal fire risk. (See Page 10 of Attachment 3)
In response to a question from Vice Mayor Somers, Fire Marshal Alexander explained that high-
rise buildings are defined as those 75 feet or taller and explained why additional fire safety
systems are required for firefighter access and operations.
Fire Marshal Alexander highlighted new requirements for carbon monoxide detection and 3-D
construction drawings for mid-rise and high-rise buildings to improve firefighter safety, situational
awareness, and future tracking capabilities. (See Page 10 of Attachment 3)
In response to a question from Councilmember Spilsbury, Mr. Sheffer replied that 3-D modeling
requirements apply only to three story and higher commercial buildings and were refined based
on development community feedback to minimize burden. He added the intention is to target the
larger commercial user that utilizes the more sophisticated software.
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Page 5
Responding to a question from Councilmember Goforth, Mr. Sheffer stated that the update was
made to the code in response to the feedback from the development community. He noted that
staff can work with developers on projects where applying or enforcing a specific requirement is
not practical.
Fire Marshal Alexander advised that the 2018 fire and building codes did not include modern
safety standards for BESS, and it has taken some time for the safety standards to adjust to
emerging technology. He stressed the 2024 fire and building codes contain the latest safety
standards specific to BESS and will provide the City the opportunity to ensure that any future
projects have the latest and greatest safety features installed in these projects. (See Page 11 of
Attachment 3)
Responding to multiple questions from Councilmember Spilsbury, Fire Marshal Alexander
explained that Mesa plans to reference the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
855 standards for BESS and intends to stay current with future updates even if full code cycles
are not adopted as frequently. He confirmed that the City has been referencing the 2023 version
since the new version was not available yet.
Fire Marshal Alexander advised that the updated BESS safety requirements mandate UL9540 or
UL9540A testing and compliance with NFPA 855. He commented that Mesa is also proposing
unique local amendments requiring enhanced fire apparatus access roads.
Discussion ensued related to BESS firefighting strategies and road access requirements.
Mr. Sheffer highlighted the public outreach conducted and coordination with stakeholders
including the Home Builder’s Association, Salt River Project, and the Southwest Energy Efficiency
Project (SWEEP) endorsing Mesa’s adoption of the 2024 codes. (See Page 12 of Attachment 3)
In response to a question from Councilmember Goforth, Mr. Sheffer stated that feedback from
the development community emphasized the value of consistency, with no significant opposition
to the proposed updates.
Mr. Sheffer outlined the proposed timeline and recommended adoption of the 2024 codes with
local amendments, noting that full details will be included in future ordinances and Council reports.
(See Pages 13 and 14 of Attachment 3)
Responding to a question posed by Mayor Freeman, Fire Marshal Alexander stated that Mesa
currently holds an ISO Class 2 rating and that staying current with code updates is important to
maintain that rating, which can affect insurance costs. He added that the City is going to be going
through their reassessment of their ISO rating scheduled for early next year.
Vice Mayor Somers requested that staff coordinate with the Mesa Chamber of Commerce to
ensure awareness and involvement regarding the proposed code updates.
Mayor Freeman thanked staff for the presentation.
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Page 6
2-c.
Appointments to various boards and committees.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Spilsbury, that the Council
concur with the Mayor’s recommendations and the appointments be confirmed. (See Attachment
4)
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Spilsbury
NAYS – None
ABSENT – Adams
Mayor Freeman declared the motion carried unanimously by those present.
3.
Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
3-a.
Mesa Public Schools Joint meeting held on September 17, 2025.
3-b.
Planning and Zoning Board Study Session meeting held on August 13, 2025.
3-c.
Planning and Zoning Board Special Meeting held on August 13, 2025.
3-d.
Planning and Zoning Board Public Hearing meeting held on August 13, 2025.
3-e.
Planning and Zoning Board Study Session meeting held on August 27, 2025.
3-f.
Planning and Zoning Board Public Hearing meeting held on August 27, 2025.
3-g.
Planning and Zoning Board Special Meeting held on September 23, 2025.
3-h.
Planning and Zoning Board Study Session meeting held on September 24, 2025.
3-i.
Planning and Zoning Board Special Meeting held on September 24, 2025.
3-j.
Planning and Zoning Board Public Hearing meeting held on September 24, 2025.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Spilsbury, that receipt of the
above-listed minutes be acknowledged.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Spilsbury
NAYS – None
ABSENT– Adams
Mayor Freeman declared the motion carried unanimously by those present.
4.
Current events summary including meetings and conferences attended.
Mayor Freeman and Councilmembers highlighted the events, meetings, and conferences recently
attended.
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Page 7
Assistant City Manager Ken Cost reported that the police officer who was shot in the line-of-duty
is expected to make a full recovery.
5.
Scheduling of meetings.
Assistant City Manager Ken Cost stated that the schedule of meetings is as follows:
Monday, November 3, 2025, 5:15 p.m. – Study Session
Monday, November 3, 2025, 5:45 p.m. – Regular meeting
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
6.
Adjournment.
Without objection, the Study Session adjourned at 9:09 a.m.
____________________________________
MARK FREEMAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Study Session
of the City Council of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 30th of October 2025. I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
lr
(Attachment – 4)
Property Exchange
3511 N Higley Road
Northeast corner of North Higley Road
and East Longbow Parkway
City Council Study Session October 30, 2025
Lance Webb, City Engineer
Lisa Davis, Real Estate Manager
1
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attadchment 1
Page 1 of 6
Location:
City of Mesa parcels
3511 N Higley Road
unused property
leased to Sunshine acres
Sunshine Acres property
Northeast corner of Higley Road
and East Longbow Parkway
private sewer lift station
2
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attadchment 1
Page 2 of 6
Sunshine Acres
Site for Sewer lift
station
• Appraised at $462,000
• 21,000 square feet
• Most appropriate and cost
effective location for sewer lift
station
• Meeting the growing city needs
3
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attadchment 1
Page 3 of 6
City of Mesa
parcels
• Appraised at $519,453
• 173,151 square feet
• Purchased in 1984 in
advance of the Red
Mountain Loop 202
Freeway
• Challenging to sale –odd
shape difficult to access
• Remnant pieces
• Leased for nominal fee to
Sunshine Acres
4
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attadchment 1
Page 4 of 6
Land Exchange
No Money Exchange
Saves the City of Mesa significant time and expenses
From alternate site including eminent domain proceedings
Not acquiring easements from private properties
Not constructing a forced main
Not installing sewer infrastructure under the Red Mountain Loop 202
Estimated City savings is minimum of $3 million and 12-18 months of time for overall project
including routing of sewer lines and geographic location.
Sunshine Acres established in 1954 providing homes for more than 2,000 children including social
emotional and spiritual support
5
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attadchment 1
Page 5 of 6
Questions
Thank you
Recommendation:
Approval of Property Exchange between
the City of Mesa and Sunshine Acres Children’s Homes
6
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attadchment 1
Page 6 of 6
City of Mesa
Workforce Development Strategic Plan
Mesa City Council Study Session
Jaye O’Donnell, Economic Development Director
Sarah Tolar, Education and Workforce Administrator
October 30, 2025
1
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 1 of 17
City of Mesa Workforce Development and Education Milestones
2
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 2 of 17
Arizona
Mesa
Chandler
Phoenix
Tempe
Tucson
Arizona Education
Progress Meter
•
Quality Early Learning
•
3rd Grade Reading Prof.
•
8th Grade Math Prof.
•
High School Graduation
Rates
•
Opportunity Youth
•
Post-High School
Enrollment
•
Attainment
•
Teacher Pay
3
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 3 of 17
Building Mesa’s Workforce of Tomorrow
4
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 4 of 17
The City of Mesa is committed to aligning education, business, and
workforce development strategies to create a strong, inclusive, and
future-ready talent pipeline. This strategy outlines our coordinated
approach to:
• Understand both Mesa and regional workforce trends
• Align city and regional resources
• Eliminate barriers to education and employment
• Build meaningful, intentional partnerships across sectors
5
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 5 of 17
All have different needs and priorities.
City of Mesa Stakeholders
• Job Seekers
• Employers
• Business and Industry
• Educators
• Students
• Non-profits
6
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 6 of 17
Mesa’s Collaborative
Response
7
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 7 of 17
1. Support Workforce Alignment & Growth
Mesa continuously assesses workforce needs to ensure job seekers and employers are equipped with the right tools
and information.
2. Build Intentional Connections
In its role as a convener, the City serves as the liaison and connector for Mesa job seekers, employers and
educators for available resources and support.
3. Enhance Internal Workforce Development Opportunities
The City, in a unique position as one of Mesa’s top employers, develops and models best practices by leveraging local
resources to enhance workforce retention and establish talent pipelines for City jobs.
4. Improve Post-Secondary Attainment
The City will remove barriers and leverage partnerships, align with local, state and national efforts and amplify career
path opportunities to create a more equitable and accessible education-to-career pipeline for all community
members.
Strategic Priorities
8
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 8 of 17
1. Support Workforce Alignment & Growth
Key Strategies
• Identify Barriers and Gaps: Understand workforce demands,
align resources to fill gaps
• Share and Distribute Information: Disseminate labor market
trends/forecasts
• Data-Driven Decisions: Use real-time analytics from
data.mesaaz.gov to guide action
• Inform Stakeholders: Leverage data to support measurable,
data-informed outcomes
9
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 9 of 17
Education Partners
ASU
Benedictine U
Mesa Community College
EVIT
Mesa Public Schools – CTE Dept.
Gilbert Public Schools – CTE Dept.
Queen Creek Unified School District – CTE Dept.
Economic Development/Higher Ed Partners Convening
Purpose: To bring the City of Mesa, workforce development, and higher education partners together
to promote collaboration among partners and allow a consistent opportunity for communication.
10
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 10 of 17
2. Build Intentional Connections
Key Strategies
• Business Connection: Facilitate strong ties between
industry leaders and educators
• Education Connection: Support alignment between
Career & Technical Education pathways with high-demand
sectors
• Job Seeker Connection: Promote awareness of workforce,
career-readiness programs
11
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 11 of 17
Employer Assistance and Resources
City of Mesa Job Seeker Resources
Immediate hiring needs
Internship/apprenticeships
Building future workforce
Investing in community
FY25 Outcomes: Hiring Events
12
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 12 of 17
Key Strategies
• Employee Development: Tuition reimbursement,
training, certifications
• Internal Advancement: Clear promotion pathways
within departments
• Educational Partnerships: Internships and
apprenticeships aligned with city jobs
• Community Outreach: Inform residents of career
opportunities with the City
3. Enhance Internal Workforce Development Opportunities
13
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 13 of 17
4. Improve Post-Secondary Attainment
Key Strategies
• Address Systematic Barriers
• Enhance Promotion of Community Early Literacy
Programs and Resources
• Support for Regional and Statewide Initiatives
• Enhance Community Career Path Opportunities
14
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 14 of 17
High Growth Occupational Trends and Educational Requirements
Occupation Title
2023 Estimates
2033 Projections
Percentage Change
Nurse Practitioners
4,971
8,881
78.7%
Physician Assistants
2,987
4,668
56.3%
Medical and Health Services Managers
7,031
10,820
53.9%
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
672
1,019
51.6%
Physical Therapist Assistants
1,008
1,508
49.6%
Occupational Therapy Assistants
939
1,396
48.7%
Data Scientists
2,389
3,540
48.2%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder,
and Mental Health Counselors
7,043
10,190
44.7%
Home Health and Personal Care Aides
55,725
79,537
42.7%
Educational Requirements
High School Diploma/GED
Associate’s Degree and/or Industry Certification
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree + Master’s/Doctorate
Employment Projections | Office of Economic Opportunity
15
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 15 of 17
Every Mesa resident has access to exceptional education and the
opportunity for employment success. We are forging a future-ready
workforce through business and education partnerships and robust
workforce training and development.
16
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 16 of 17
Questions?
17
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 2
Page 17 of 17
Building & Fire Code Update
John Sheffer
Deputy Director/Building Official
Shawn Alexander
Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal
1
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 1 of 15
Building & Fire Code Update
• International Code Council (ICC) publishes building and fire codes every 3 years
• These codes regulate all new construction and remodels
• Adopted in every state and most cities throughout the U.S.
• Mesa would be going from 2018 edition to 2024 edition (latest edition)
2
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 2 of 15
The ICC “Family” of Codes
Building
Existing Building
Residential
Fire
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Fuel/Gas
Energy
Pool
3
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 3 of 15
Update from 2018 to 2024 Codes
• Last update: February 2019
• No additional new permits
• No new permit fees
Code Edition Change Only
• Most current codes available
• Address new technologies (i.e. Battery Energy Storage Systems)
• Increase City’s Insurance Services Office Score
• Potential insurance savings
• Consistency with other local cities
Benefits
4
Study Session
October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 4 of 15
Local Adoption of 2024 Codes
ADOPTED
Avondale
Buckeye
Chandler
Phoenix
Tucson
IN PROCESS
Flagstaff
State (Fire Code)
Surprise
5
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 5 of 15
Local (Mesa) Amendments
Staff is proposing certain local (Mesa) amendments to the ICC codes
Examples:
• Fire department connections (specific to Mesa equipment)
• Reduced requirements for restrooms in small businesses
Local amendments are based on the following:
• Alignment with other local cities
• Recommendations from the development community
• Benefits to small businesses
• Mesa’s Fire Department operations
6
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 6 of 15
Local (Mesa) Amendments
Mesa amendments that benefit small businesses:
• Separate Male & Female Restrooms: Not required for 25 occupants or less
• Drinking Fountains: Not required for 50 occupants or less
• Service Sinks: Not required for 100 occupants or less
ICC codes exempt these items for businesses with 15 occupants or less
7
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 7 of 15
Local (Mesa) Amendments
Water Conservation
• Sinks and Faucets: 2.2 gpm to 1.8 gpm
• Shower Heads: 2.5 gpm to 2.0 gpm
• Toilets: 1.6 gallons per flush to 1.28 gallons per flush
Public Input
• Measure setbacks from face of wall framing (not exterior)
• Guidelines for accessibility in houses (ADA)
8
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 8 of 15
Update from 2018 to 2024 Codes
Energy efficiency increase estimated at 7%
Return on Investment (ROI)
• Construction Cost: $2,400 to $3,100 (Based on 2,400 sqft two-story)
• Estimated Savings: $446/yr
• ROI: Approx. 3-4 years
Sources: National Home Builders Association & International Code Council
9
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Attachment 3
Page 9 of 15
2018 2024 Fire Code Changes
Significant Changes Related for Life Safety
• Revised Fire Sprinklers: No Longer Required in Restrooms at Parks & Golf Courses
• Revised Fire Fighter Air Replenishment Systems: No Longer Required for Mid-Rise
• New Carbon Monoxide Detection: Required if CO Producing Device Present
• New 3-D CAD Modeling: Required for Fire Department Operations
10
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 10 of 15
2018 2024 Fire Code Changes
New Requirements for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
•
Latest edition of NFPA 855 Standard for the Installation of
Stationary Energy Storage Systems (2023)
•
Requirements for certain BESS to pass UL9540 or UL9540A testing
•
20-ft fire access road for every 300 linear ft of batteries
•
26-ft fire access road on one side of batteries if > 150 linear ft
(26-ft width is for aerial fire suppression operations)
11
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 11 of 15
Public Outreach
Public Meetings
• Development Advisory Forum #1: May 1, 2025
• Development Advisory Forum #2: September 16, 2025
• Public Meeting: October 2, 2025
Coordination with Stakeholders
• Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA)
• Local Architects and Builders
• Salt River Project (SRP)
• Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
12
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Attachment 3
Page 12 of 15
Tentative Timeline
INTRODUCTION
December 1, 2025
ACTION
December 8, 2025
EFFECTIVE
January 8, 2026
13
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 13 of 15
Recommendation: Adoption with local amendments
Questions?
14
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 14 of 15
January 8, 2026
Effective Date:
Code modification (no fee)
Early Use of 2024 Codes:
Update affected sheets only - full plans not required (6-month window)
Single-Family Standard
Plans:
90-day window after effective date
Projects Mid-Design:
Each lot reviewed individually - Code edition will depend on submittal date
Subdivisions:
Adoption Process (Backup Slide)
15
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 3
Page 15 of 15
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October 30, 2025
Attachment 4
Page 1 of 1