Farmington Begins Process to Adopt Updated Building and Electrical Codes

Farmington, Mo. (KFMO) - The City of Farmington has started the process of adopting the latest editions of the International Code Council (ICC) family of building codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), replacing standards currently in use by the city.

Farmington presently operates under the 2015 International Codes and the 2014 National Electrical Code, both of which were adopted in 2018. The proposed update would bring the city in line with the most current code cycle, including the 2024 International Code Council codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code.

Missouri law requires municipalities to adopt these codes by ordinance. Under state statute, at least one copy of each code must be available for public inspection for 90 days before adoption. The ordinance must also clearly identify each code by edition and publisher and establish penalties for violations within the ordinance itself.

The proposed adoption includes the 2024 editions of the International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Property Maintenance, Swimming Pool and Spa, Private Sewage Disposal, and Fire Codes, along with the 2023 National Electrical Code.

City officials noted that while the International Code Council updates its codes every three years, Farmington does not adopt every update cycle. The city cites adoption costs, legal review requirements, staff training, and the need to educate builders and design professionals on new regulations as reasons for updating less frequently.

The updated codes address a wide range of construction standards, including structural design, plumbing, mechanical systems, electrical work, fire safety, and major renovations. Officials say the changes reflect modern construction practices and help ensure consistent standards throughout the community.

City leaders also noted that maintaining current building and fire codes can positively impact Insurance Services Office ratings, including the Public Protection Classification and Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule. Both ratings use a scale of one to ten, with lower scores indicating stronger performance.

The Building Code Advisory Board, which includes local contractors and an architect, reviewed the updated codes and proposed local amendments before recommending adoption to the Farmington City Council.

Residents can review copies of the proposed codes and the adopting ordinance at the City Clerk's Office inside Long Memorial Hall, located at 110 West Columbia Street. The public review period begins June 20 and will remain open for 90 days. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk during that time.

Following the conclusion of the inspection period, the Farmington City Council is expected to consider formal adoption of the updated codes during a regular council meeting.

For additional information, residents may contact the Development Services Department at 573-756-0608 or visit the City of Farmington website.