Phoenix mayor suspends resolution, allows review of all building safety codes

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon has taken action that will allow the city to review several building safety and fire prevention codes. The mayor suspended a resolution that previously limited the city's ability to consider the International Building Code, the most widely adopted and enforced building code in the nation.

The International Building Code, developed by the International Code Council, is used in 44 states at the local or state level. Twenty eight Arizona jurisdictions, including nearby Avondale, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tolleson currently use the International Building Code. Maricopa County, of which Phoenix is the county seat, also has the International Building Code in effect.

"In the interest of public safety, it is important for Council to adopt the best code that will provide the highest standards to ensure the safety and protection of our City and its citizens," wrote Mayor Gordon in a Jan. 23 memo to City Council members.

In his memo, the mayor asked for a technical review of the available codes, which would permit a consideration of the International Building Code, and requested a full presentation be made to the City Council with recommendations.

"Safeguarding Phoenix residents in the buildings where they live, work, play and learn is too important to block the review of the most adopted model building code used in the United States," said James Lee Witt, Chief Executive Officer of the International Code Council. "We commend Mayor Gordon for opening this process so that all building safety and fire prevention codes can be considered based on their established records of saving lives, reducing property losses, construction affordability and compatibility with the codes used throughout Arizona."

The suspension of resolution 19015 comes after a two year effort to allow the review of the International Building Code for adoption in Phoenix. Area architects, engineers, home builders, building owners and managers, building and fire officials, and others in the construction industry have actively supported the International Building Code and worked for its inclusion in the city's review process.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.