Here’s how one city plans to update its building codes

TRENTON, MO — After discussing costs associated with any possible changes in adopting a new building code, the city council approved an ordinance codifying all city codes to reflect state and federal laws and to eliminate outdated regulations. During discussion of the code, local resident David Hogan expressed his concerns over requirements in the 2012 uniform federal building code, which requires inclusion of sprinkler systems in any new homes that are constructed. Hogan said such a requirement would most likely hinder any chances of spec houses being built in the city, due to the added costs to meet the sprinkler requirements. City Administrator Kerry Sampson noted that by approving the recodification ordinance, the 2006 building codes currently used by the city would remain in place. He noted the city has yet to consider any recommended changes included in the 2012 federal documents, adding that if the city chooses to adopt the 2012 code, it could take out portions of the requirements as had been done in the past to meet the needs of the city.