Linn County advances first consideration of 2024 building, fire, property‑maintenance and housing codes

Linn County building official Luke Maloney presented the board with a package of code updates that would move the county to the 2024 versions of multiple code articles. The board opened public hearings and voted to approve first consideration for four ordinances updating Chapter 105 (construction regulations), Chapter 12 (fire code), Chapter 105 Article 6 (property maintenance) and Chapter 105 Article 7 (housing code for non‑owner occupied properties).

Maloney emphasized two substantive changes in the construction regulations package. First, the county proposes deleting an historical exemption that allowed some post‑frame buildings up to 1,000 square feet to avoid engineered design. He said the exemption forces staff to review non‑engineered “napkin drawing” plans and creates potential liability; removing the exemption will require post‑frame structures to include engineered calculations. Second, regional snow‑load requirements have been increased based on an ASCE review of 25 years of data; the county and partner jurisdictions agreed on a 36‑pound residential standard, which will increase design requirements for some commercial structures.

The Building Board of Appeals unanimously recommended the updates as submitted, and no members of the public addressed the board during the hearings. Supervisors approved first consideration by voice vote; final adoption will require subsequent procedural steps.

Next steps: the ordinances move forward after first consideration and will return for further consideration consistent with statutory notice and the board’s calendar.