Staff says new UDC and code updates will address lot/variance issues; 2021 ICC codes adopted

City planning staff told the Fredericksburg Board of Adjustment that the city has identified a consultant to begin drafting a Unified Development Code intended to clarify recurring lot and nonconformity issues raised by applicants.

The staff presenter said the UDC work is under contract negotiation and is expected to take about 18 to 24 months. "18 to 24 months will address issues such as this, hopefully, in advance, so we can get that in place," the staff member said, referring to recurring variance questions and code gaps that currently force many property owners to seek variances.

Staff also reported the council’s recent adoption of the 2021 series of International Code Council building codes and a modest update to the city's fee schedule. The presenter noted the inclusion of a new Section 5.425 to allow fees for engineering reviews and engineering inspections connected to subdivision and permit reviews. Staff said those fee changes and administrative updates will be posted on the city website and communicated to building and real-estate stakeholders.

Board members asked whether the fire code was updated; staff said Chapter 17 (fire-related provisions) was moved to the 2021 version. Staff said outreach will include posting materials online and contacting the building association and other local groups. No formal action was required on the report.