Clay County Commission continues second reading on updating to 2018 building codes; vote deferred

County planning staff presented the second of three readings on Ordinance 2026-15, which would update Clay County’s residential and existing-building rules to the 2018 family of International codes. Planning Director Kip Jones told commissioners the update would align Clay County with most neighboring jurisdictions and provide additional options for existing buildings.

“Currently, the county’s on the 2012 family of codes,” Jones said, and the proposed move would bring county requirements closer to surrounding cities that already use the 2018 codes. Building inspector Timothy Sperry highlighted technical differences in the newer codes, including higher lighting-efficiency targets, additional duct-sealing guidance, and changes to the energy rating index (Sperry cited an ERI threshold moving from about 62 down to lower levels in later model codes).

Sperry said the building commission recommended adopting the 2018 family but not the IECC, noting that “in Clay County, unincorporated, in the last 4 years, we have had less than 10 commercial buildings issued,” and that much of the IECC focuses on commercial provisions. Commissioner Wagner urged the commission to adopt the energy-related updates as a leadership step, calling the differences between the 2018 IECC and the IRC “de minimis at best” for residential construction.

Commissioner Johnson asked staff to summarize the reasons for updating the codes; Jones replied the change would reflect advances in construction practice, improved safety standards and consistency across jurisdictions, which reduces complexity for builders. The ordinance remains on its second of three readings; staff said a vote is expected at the next commission meeting.