1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 22, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. Adam Materne Luis Figueroa Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams William Ross Pumfrey Brittany Sharkey Amy Casto CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Edward Espinoza Brian McGiverin Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Mary Kahle CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL REVISED AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel to discuss: A complaint filed by Marc Duchen against Ashika Ganguly raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics & Financial Disclosure), Section 2-7-74 (Financial Disclosure by Candidates). The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel to discuss: A complaint filed by Mackenzie Kelly against Krista Laine raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics & Financial Disclosure), Section 2-7-74 (Financial Disclosure by Candidates). The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: City Manager Office FROM: Joel G. Baker, Fire Chief DATE: January 17, 2025 SUBJECT: Austin Fire Department Position on 2024 IBC Proposed Single Stair changes The Austin Fire Department (AFD), in collaboration with the Development Services Department (DSD), is working toward adoption of the 2024 International Building Codes (IBC). One high visibility issue has been a local amendment to Code 1006.3.4.2 Single Stair in Certain R-2 Applications (see attached staff Single Stair amendment). The requested City of Austin Staff proposed amendment in response to Council Resolution 20240502-094 limits usage of single staircases in buildings with a maximum of five stories and requires additional fire protection engineering features and limitations to square footage per floor to mitigate risks. There is a proposal for the 2027 edition of International Code that allows a similar allowance of single staircase to a maximum of four stories. AFD supports the proposal from a structural engineering perspective. To support the proposal from an operational perspective AFD would need an additional three/five staffed aerial devices put in service. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 101 requires two means of escape. Multiple staircases allow one stairwell for fire attack and a second one for resident escape/evacuation. In single staircase buildings, residents caught above where the fire occurs will need to be protected in place and cannot be evacuated via the stairwell. Once a fire attack has commenced that stairwell will be exposed to dangerous heat and products of combustion. This concern is shared by the International Association of Fire Firefighters and Metro Fire Chiefs Association. Additionally, ground ladders are only able to reach the third floor (current code only allows single staircases in buildings up to three stories), so any external evacuation of higher floors would require aerial apparatus with access to all sides of the building. Additionally, NFPA Standard 1710 sets a response objective for initial full alarm complement to arrive within 8 Minutes for hazards such as residential buildings. AFD has not added an aerial to operation since the mid-1990s. The attached maps show the effects the lack of additional arial trucks have had on response times. Maps 1 & 2 shows how current aerials response times and how they are not meeting AFD’s objective of 8 minute response times for first unit on scene. In order to meet AFD’s target response goal, aerials should …
Affordability Impact Statement 2024 Wildland-Urban Interface Code and local amendments Date: 8/14/2024 Proposed Regulation The adoption of the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUIC) and its local amendments will replace the 2015 WUIC and its related local regulations. The WUIC is a model code developed by the International Code Council. It establishes requirements for land use and the built environment within designated wildland-urban interface areas using prescriptive and performance provisions. The code is intended to work as a system of its requirements, providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to enhancing building resilience from wildfires. A key update in the 2024 WUIC is the introduction of Proximity Zones. Since 2021, the Austin Fire Department (AFD) has used the term "Proximity Class" and "WUI Class" to determine ignition-resistant construction requirements based on distance from wildland areas. The term "Class" has caused confusion with fire resistance classes, leading to the recommendation of "Proximity Zone" to clarify these designations. Aligning with 2015 WUIC Proximity Class designation, the Proximity Zones are based on the distance of the structure from the wildland: • Zone A: within 50 feet of 40-acre or larger wildland • Zone B: within 150 feet of 40-acre or larger wildland • Zone C within 1.5 miles of 750-acre wildlands and within 0.5 miles of 40-acre wildland In addition to the updated terminology, the 2024 WUIC introduces a 0.5-mile buffer around 40-acre wildlands for Zone C, which expands the WUIC area to include more homes and undeveloped parcels. Additional updates include: • A 5-foot Ember Ignition Zone (EIZ) will now be required around buildings in all Proximity Zones. In Zones A and B, this area should be made of gravel, pavers, or other noncombustible materials. In Zone C, the EIZ can include irrigated and mowed turf grass but no other vegetation. • An increase in the number of buildings a driveway can serve to three buildings, up from two in the 2015 WUIC, including all buildings without dwellings such as accessory uses. • Structures 100 square feet or larger must now comply with the code, reduced from the previous requirement of 120 square feet. • A Fire Hazard Severity Form and potential mitigation will be required for developments under the City of Austin’s HOME initiative, or where a single fire apparatus access road serves more than 30 dwelling units. • New requirements include noncombustible skylight frames and protected skylight glass in all Proximity …
Affordability Impact Statement 2024 International Building Code & Local Amendments Date: 6/25/2024 Proposed Regulation The proposed adoption of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and local amendments would replace the current 2021 IBC and corresponding local amendments. The IBC is a model code published by International Code Council, a non-profit entity with a robust democratic process for weighing the costs and benefits of code changes. Most of the changes to the local amendments simplify or streamline code regulation and interpretation. The most impactful local amendments are likely the new requirements for natural light in living spaces and the reduction of required egress stairways in apartment buildings up to five-stories. Land Use/Zoning Impacts on Housing Costs The proposed changes would have a neutral impact on housing costs via land use and zoning. 2024 IBC and local amendments will update Austin’s land development code to reflect the most current standards. Keeping building codes up to date helps to ensure consistency with other jurisdictions and appropriate consideration of newer building materials/practices, such as mass timber. Impact on Development Cost The proposed changes would likely have a neutral impact on development costs overall. The 2024 IBC is a model code that makes incremental changes to improve building standards. Some changes raise the cost of construction in the interest of improving factors such as safety, accessibility, and code consistency. Other code changes decrease costs through means such as eliminating unnecessary requirements, providing clarification, or allowing greater design flexibility. The wider cost benefits of improved building safety, resilience, consideration of newer technology, and consistency with other jurisdictions’ building codes can counterbalance immediate building cost increases as well. 2024 Model Code Update: Research from the University of Florida is currently underway to evaluate the cost impact of updating from the 2023 Florida Building Codes to the 2024 International Codes (Issa et al. 2024).1 The 2023 Florida Building Code adopts the 2021 IBC as its model, so it may be a fair baseline to understand the overall cost impact of the changes from the 2021 IBC to the 2024 IBC. The State of Florida does adopt amendments to the model codes, but they have the closest available comparison to understand the cost impacts of adopting the 2024 IBC. The University of Florida study models the adoption of the 2024 International Codes on seven different building types, including small office, retail, primary school, small hotel, mid-rise apartment, 1-story residence, …
Community Engagement Summary: 2024 Technical Code Changes Engagement #1 (IBC & ISPSC) Overview The City of Austin updates the technical codes in accordance with the International Code Council (ICC) and International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) code cycle schedules. The International Codes are the most trusted source of model codes and standards. In preparation for the adoption of 2024 Technical Codes later this year, DSD provided stakeholder engagement opportunities for updates to the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). These codes, along with any needed local amendments, will be reviewed by the Austin City Council prior to adoption. 2024 Technical Code Changes stakeholder engagement opportunities (IBC & ISPSC): • Public Input web page Open to community comments from March 20, 2024 to April 26, 2024. • Stakeholder Webinar with Q&A Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. Stakeholders & Advertising The week of March 25, 2024 an email invitation to participate in the engagements was sent to 3,322 stakeholder email addresses (148 specified stakeholders, 2,750 active building permit holders, and 528 pool permit holders; note: discrepancy due to duplicate removal). The engagement opportunities were also included in the in the January, February, and March 2024 Building Connections external e- newsletter; each issue was sent to between 5,655 and 5,726 subscribers. Additionally, the engagements were included in the internal e-newsletter, the DSD Insider, in January and March 2024 and were posted on the DSD Events Calendar webpage in March 2024. A bilingual (English and Spanish) social media post was published on Facebook (891 followers) and Instagram (464 followers) on March 29. Feedback Summary In total, 200 community members participated in the first round of engagement for the 2024 Technical Code Changes which focused on the IBC and ISPSC. The Public Input Web Page Open to community comments or questions from March 20 to April 26, 2024, the IBC page received 901 views and 172 comments. During that same comment period, the ISPSC page received 74 views and zero comments. The IBC page comments and questions are summarized below. pg. 1 pg. 2 The overwhelming majority IBC comments were in support of single stair buildings, with only one comment in opposition. The responses could be categorized into several common themes around single stair reform: Support for Single Stair Buildings (159 responses), Safety and Fire Regulations Concerns (68 responses), Affordable Housing …
Community Engagement Summary: 2024 Technical Code Changes Engagement #2 (UMC, UPC, IRC, IBC, IPMC, IECC, IFC, WUIC) Overview The City of Austin updates the technical codes in accordance with the International Code Council (ICC) and International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) code cycle schedules. The International Codes are the most trusted source of model codes and standards. In preparation for the adoption of 2024 Technical Codes later this year, DSD provided stakeholder engagement opportunities for updates to the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Fire Code (IFC), and the Wildland Urban Interface Code (WUIC). These codes, along with any needed local amendments, will be reviewed by the Austin City Council prior to adoption. 2024 Technical Code Changes stakeholder engagement opportunities: Public Input web page The time frames below indicate the duration of the Public Input web page comment period for each code, during which the proposed amendments were available for review. o Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC): May 15 – June 16, 2024 o Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC): May 15 – June 16, 2024 o International Residential Code (IRC): June 25 – July 24, 2024 o International Building Code (IBC): June 25 – July 24, 2024* o International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC): June 4 – July 5, 2024 o International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) : June 12 – July 8, 2024 o International Fire Code (IFC): May 28 – June 27, 2024 o Wildland Urban Interface Code (WUIC): May 20 – June 28, 2024 *Updates to the International Building Code (IBC) were posted for a second round of public input following the addition of additional language. Stakeholder Webinar with Q&A Monday, May 20, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:10 p.m. In-Person Stakeholder Engagement Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX, 78752 Event Center 1405 • • • pg. 1 Stakeholders & Advertising Tactics First Round: IBC, ISPSC The week of March 25, 2024 an email invitation to participate in the first round of technical code changes engagements (focusing on the IBC and ISPSC) was sent to 3,322 stakeholder email addresses (148 specified stakeholders, 2,750 active building permit holders, and 528 pool permit holders; note: discrepancy due to duplicate removal). The email included promotion …
FLOOR MODIFICATION E24-24-SHAPIRO-MC1 2024 International Building Code Revise as follows: Proponent: Jeffrey Shapiro, International Code Consultants, Self (jeff.shapiro@intlcodeconsultants.com) TABLE 1006.3.4(1) STORIES AND OCCUPIABLE ROOFS WITH ONE EXIT OR ACCESS TO ONE EXIT FOR R-2 OCCUPANCIES . Basement, first, second, or third, or fourth story above grade plane and occupiable roofs over the first, or second, or third story above grade plane Fourth Fifth story above grade plane and higher STORY OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM NUMBER OF MAXIMUM EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DWELLING UNITS DISTANCE a, b, c, d R-2 4 dwelling units NP NA 125 feet NA d. 4-story buildings and 3-story buildings with an occupiable roof above the third story shall also comply with Section 1006.3.4.2. Add new text as follows: 1006.3.4.2 Single exit four-story buildings with Group R-2 dwelling units. Four-story buildings with a single exit for Group R-2 dwelling units shall comply with Table 1006.3.4(1) and all of the following: 1. The net floor area of each floor shall not exceed 4,000 square feet (418.5 m ). 2 2. Openings to the interior exit stairway enclosure shall be limited to those required for exit access into the enclosure from normally occupied spaces, those required for egress from the enclosure, and openings to the exterior. Elevators shall not open into the interior exit stairway enclosure. 3. A manual fire alarm system and automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be provided. Smoke detectors shall be located in common spaces outside of dwelling units, including but not limited to gathering areas, laundry rooms, mechanical equipment rooms, storage rooms, interior corridors, interior exit stairways, and exit passageways. 4. Regardless of the stairway construction type, automatic sprinkler locations in interior exit stairways shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 13 for combustible stairways. 5. Electrical receptacles shall be prohibited in an interior exit stairway. FLOOR MODIFICATION # 38 E24-24-SHAPIRO-MC1 This floor modification is based on work of a joint FCAC/BCAC workgroup, which achieved consensus. The objective of this workgroup was bringing together interested parties in an effort to determine whether there is an opportunity for incremental progress in extending the current 3- story limit on R-2 single-exit buildings in the 2027 code. More immediately, the workgroup desired to achieve a recommendation of APPROVAL AS MODIFIED by the Means of Egress Committee at the Long Beach hearing, which may assist state and local jurisdictions that have …
2024 Wildland-Urban Interface Code and local amendments (WUIC) Stakeholder Engagement Summary The following is a summary of stakeholder engagement conducted for review of the 2024 Wildland- Urban Interface Code and local amendments (WUIC). Initial proposed amendments were developed by the Engineering and Plan Review division of the Austin Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office from 2021 – 2023. A City of Austin internal working group reviewed and further refined proposed amendments during December 2023 – January 2024 including participants from the following: The community stakeholder engagement period was open from May 20, 2024 – June 28, 2024. Austin Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, Engineering and Plan Review Fire Marshal’s Office, Inspections Wildfire Division Development Services Department City Arborist Community Tree Preservation Environmental Review Watershed Protection Environmental Policy and Review Community Stakeholder Engagement Engagement Website: Speak Up Austin: https://publicinput.com/2024-technical-codes Webinar Recordings: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/public- meetings#2024MeetingRecordingsampResources Community Engagement Timeline and Summary: May 20, 2024 Public Meeting for I-Codes Zoom Webinar No discussion or questions specific to WUIC Limited discussion May 23, 2024 Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin PAGE 1 HBA office Limited discussion Following Meeting: Suggestion to reduce requirements for Zone C or allow trade-off of additional structure hardening in lieu of EIZ May 28, 2024 Requested meeting date with HBA and their membership, unable to settle on a date, so additional WUIC specific Zoom webinar offered on June 24, 2024, open to the public. May 30, 2024 Public Meeting for I-Codes City of Austin Planning and Development Center No discussion or questions specific to WUIC June 7, 2024 Revised Draft released Changes addressing recent HOME amendments Public engagement date extended June 24, 2024 Public Meeting for WUIC Zoom Webinar Questions and Answers included in “2024 WUIC Ordinance Public Comment Log” June 26, 2024 Building and Fire Code Board Presentation June 28, 2024 Close of Public Stakeholder Engagement July 11, 2024 Building and Fire Code Board Presentation of changes made in response to stakeholder feedback August 28, 2024 Building and Fire Code Board (SCHEDULED) Presentation of final changes made in response to internal and external stakeholder feedback Request for support Appendices Appendix A – Stakeholder Engagement Communication Summary Appendix B – Public Input Web Platform Statistics …
PROPOSED IBC 2024 CODE V1, DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION 1 OF ARTICLE 1 OF CITY CODE CHAPTER 25‐12 RELATING TO THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE; REPEALING AND REPLACING ARTICLE 10 OF CITY CODE CHAPTER 25‐12 RELATING TO THE INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE; AND CREATING OFFENSES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. City Code Chapter 25‐12 (Technical Codes) is amended to repeal and replace Division 1 of Article 1 (Building Code) to read: DIVISION 1. INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS § 25‐12‐1 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE. (A) The International Building Code, 2021 2024 Edition, published by the International Code Council ("2021 2024 International Building Code") is adopted and incorporated by reference into this section with the deletions in Subsection (B) and the amendments in Section 25‐12‐3 (Local Amendments to the International Building Code). (B) The following provisions of the 20241 International Building Code are deleted. 414.1.3305.2.3 503.1.4 plus subsections 308.2.3 Chapter 9 308.2.4 1612 plus subsections 427.6 2901.1503.1.4 1108.6.4.2 1301.1 3102.5Chapter 9 103 plus subsections Table 1004.5308.3 3201.11008.2.1 1507.8 plus subsections 1507.9 plus subsections 1607.8.2 1612 plus subsections 2901.1 2902.2 2902.6 3102.5 3201.1 3202.1 Table 2901.1 Footnote (e) 1010.1.2308.3.1.1 1010.3.3 308.3.2 3202.1 1009.3 3202.3.41010.1.2 1102.1308.5 1204 plus subsections 308.5.1 1301.1 308.5.3 1507.8 plus subsections 308.5.4 1507.9 plus subsections 310.2 1607.8.2310.4.1 406.4.3 1010.2.7 1010.3.3 1101.2 1102.1 1108.6.1.2 1108.6.2.2.2 1108.6.2.3.2 1108.6.3 Page 1 of 19 101.4.1 101.4.2 101.4.3 104.32.1 105.1.1 105.2 105.5 107.2.6 110.3 112.3 113 plus subsections 305.2 305.2.2 Table 1004.5 414.1.3 (C) The following definition is deleted from Section 202.2.1 (General Definitions) of the 2021 International Building Code: (C) The city clerk shall file a copy of the 20241 International Building Code with the official ordinances of FOSTER CARE FACILITIES. (B) the City. § 25‐12‐2 CITATIONS TO THE BUILDING CODE. In the City Code, "Building Code" means the 20241 International Building Code adopted in Section 25‐12‐1 (International Building Code) as amended by Section 25‐12‐3 (Local Amendments to the International Building Code). In this article, "this code" means the Building Code. § 25‐12‐3 LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE. Each provision in this section is a substitute for the identically numbered provision deleted in Section 25‐12‐ 1(B) (International Building Code) or is an addition to the 20241 International Building Code. [A] 101.4.1 Gas. The provisions of the International Fuel Gas Code and the Plumbing Code shall apply …
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS METROPOLITAN FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION Joint Statement Regarding Single Stairways in Multifamily Buildings The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) have joined forces to notify our members and the general public of efforts in some jurisdictions to reduce the number of required exit stairwells and permit a single means of egress in multifamily buildings up to six stories. Current model code requires at least two means of egress in residential occupancies above three stories. These legislative actions are an attempt to supersede the model safety codes, placing occupants and fire fighters at greater risk of injury and death. We must do all we can to defeat these misguided efforts. Allowing residential structures to be built with exemptions or modifications contrary to decades of research and investigation will jeopardize safety. Put simply, lives will be endangered. History is filled with examples of incidents where a single means of egress and blocked egress resulted in trapped occupants and loss of life. More concerning is that some state, provincial, and local legislatures are considering reducing established critical life-saving features by circumventing the national code development consensus process. The national code development process ensures equal, non-biased dialogue between all stakeholders to find consensus. Circumventing the code development process jeopardizes the public, building occupants, and first responders. Much like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, proper exiting is known to have saved thousands of lives and remains the fundamental building block to life safety. Layered fire prevention measures encompassing multiple means of egress, fire suppression systems, fire-rated construction, automatic fire alarm systems, compartmentalization, and many other codes provide a reasonable, widely accepted, and nationally developed level of protection. Drastic changes, such as those proposed in some jurisdictions, directly contrast with time-tested safety fundamentals. Model codes and standards are minimum safety requirements established to address identified hazards, including fires, explosions, hazardous materials incidents, natural disasters, and other dangerous events. In opposing this effort, the IAFF and the Metro Chiefs recognize the following: 1. Single means of egress places residents and fire fighters in danger; 2. Many fire departments lack the personnel and equipment required to combat these types of fires and to safely evacuate large numbers of people from elevated floors through a single means of egress; 3. Operations on ground or aerial ladders are hazardous for trained fire fighters. Removing occupants via ground or …
TABLE 1006.3.4(1) STORIES WITH ONE EXIT OR ACCESS TO ONE EXIT FOR R-2 OCCUPANCIES STORY OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS Basement, first, second, third, 4th or 5th story above grade plane and occ. roofs over the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th story Sixth story above grade plane and higher For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. NP = Not Permitted. NA = Not Applicable R-2a, b,c,d 4 dwelling units 125 feet NP NA NA a.Buildings classified as Group R-2 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section 1031. b.This table is used for R-2 occupancies consisting of dwelling units. For R-2 occupancies consisting of sleeping units, use Table 1006.3.4(2). c.This table is for occupiable roofs accessed through and serving individual dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies. For Group R-2 occupancies with occupiable roofs that are not accessed through and serving individual units, use Table 1006.3.4(2). d. 5-story buildings and 4-story buildings with an occupiable roof above the third story shall also comply with Section 1006.3.4.2. 1006.3.4.2 Single exit 4 or 5 story Group R-2 Occupancies. 4 or 5 story buildings with a single exit for Group R-2 dwelling units shall comply with Table 1006.3.4(1) and all of the following: 1. The net floor area of each floor served by a single exit shall not exceed 4,000 square feet (418.5 m). 2. An exterior exit stairway or interior exit stairway shall be provided at each story served by a single exit. Exit Access Doors into the exit stairway shall swing in the direction of egress travel regardless of the occupant load served. 3. Regardless of the stairway construction type, automatic sprinkler locations in interior exit stairways shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 13 for combustible stairways. 4. There shall be no more than 20 feet (6096 mm) of travel to the exit stairway from the entry/exit door of any dwelling unit. 5. The exit shall not terminate in an egress court where the court depth exceeds the court width unless it is possible to exit in either direction to the public way. 6. Other occupancies shall not communicate with the Group R occupancy portion of the building or with the single-exit stairway. Exception: parking garages and occupied roofs accessory to the Group R occupancy are permitted to …
AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code Adoption Updated 06/06/2024 to reflect City of AustinLand Development Code amendments.Pages 6, 8, 11-12, 28.Updated 07/03/2024 to reflect stakeholderfeedback. Page 29.Updated 07/09/2024 (for Building and FireCode Board Update) and 07/25/2024 toreflect stakeholder feedback. Pages 3, 9,10, 11, 13-16, 19, 25, 29, 30, 32.Updated for 01/22/2025 Building and FireCode Board presentation, with WUI mapcleanup including wildland perimeter andnew development. Pages 13, 14, 15, and 16 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code L o c a l A m e n d m e n t A d o p t i o n Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name is our cornerstone As a leader in the fire service: We are on the cutting-edge of technology and training. We protect lives and property through extensive fire prevention and safety education efforts, in addition to a quick and effective response to emergencies. 2 Proposed Adoption In accordance with ICC latest publication, Austin Fire Department is on track to implement the 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and local amendments 30 days following City Council adoption, tentative date November 16, 2024. 3 07/25/2024:Updated to reflectCity of Austin LandDevelopment Codeamendments Coordinate and Clarify Goals: Clarify previously adopted local amendments with changing technology and published code. Adjust requirements based on challenges and successes of initial implementation of the IWUIC. Reasons for amendments: 1. To support operating procedures for Wildfire Operations. 2. Formalize WUI Proximity Zones to clarify structure hardening requirements. 3. Align requirements with current wildfire research. 4. Clarification purposes and formalizing 2015 WUIC interpretations. 4 2024 IWUIC Significant Changes Significant Changes to IWUIC model code: • 104 Determination of Compliance (COA amendments refer to Fire Code) • Outlines requirements for technical opinions, reports, and alternative materials, design and methods • 503.2 Ignition-resistant building material. Reorganized and clarified. • 504.5.1 Flashing. Additional requirements above International Residential Code. • 504.10, 505.10, 506.5 Vents • Performance and Prescriptive requirements • 1/8” max. mesh openings, in alignment with current COA regulation 5 2024 WUIC Highlights Changes • Unofficial “Proximity Classes” defined and renamed Proximity Zones A, B, and C • Zone A & B modified protection of accessory structures • Zone B enhanced protection of walls • Zone C enhanced eave and ceiling protection • Zone C reduced roofing, underfloor enclosure, and slope requirements • NEW Ember Ignition Zone • Expiration of initial code launch leniency • Driveways …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in the Capital Region is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to allocate …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for Farmland Acquisition and Preservation in Travis County WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in the Capital Region is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court passed a Resolution of Support for the Austin-Travis County Food Plan on October 29, 2024, whose goals and strategies prioritize addressing local food security and environmental sustainability; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, Travis County has successfully managed agricultural leases on 845 acres of agricultural land through the Parks Land Stewardship Program; and WHEREAS, Travis County currently operates a Conservation Easement Program allowing landowners to preserve agricultural, natural, or cultural resources while retaining ownership of their property. This program, funded by voter-approved bond funds and supplemented by donations, has successfully preserved significant tracts of land and helps protect vital resources such as watersheds, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Easement Program has been a key tool for Travis County in its efforts to protect land from development, with more than $24.9 million approved by voters between 2011 and 2017 for the purchase of easements. The program prioritizes properties in conservation corridors and those with significant environmental or agricultural value, aligning with the broader goals of the Austin/Travis County …
Joint Sustainability Committee Sustainable Buildings Working Group DRAFT 2025 Budget Recommendations 1. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. A part of the challenge is awareness. The city should host a user-friendly website that consolidates information on all sustainability incentives offered by the City of Austin (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), as well as state and federal incentives that align with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and other city sustainability plans. Additional community outreach by the city and trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. A new Community Engagement Specialist FTE in the Office of Sustainability is needed to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting sustainability incentives, with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. This employee would manage grants, contracts and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. a. Benefits: GHG reduction, water conservation, more equitable participation in programs b. Cost: $500,000 to the Office of Sustainability for: one additional Community Engagement Specialist FTE outreach grants, contracts, and stipends to Climate Ambassadors i. ii. iii. website construction and maintenance c. Plan Alignment: Austin Climate Equity Plan; Water Forward Plan; Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan 2. Refrigerant Leak Reduction: Funding for the Office of Sustainability to contract with an entity to develop a plan to manage refrigerants at city buildings responsibly on an ongoing basis, and develop a plan and develop recommendations for programs, policies and other strategies to address refrigerant leakage and proper disposal in the Austin community. a. Benefits: GHG reduction b. Cost: ? 3. Air sealing task force and training program: According to RMI and DOE air sealing is the lowest cost path to lowering operational carbon. Air sealing is a sequencing and trade knowledge problem, not a technical or product problem, so training up our trade base is the best way to ensure higher quality, more air sealed buildings. Under this new program, Austin Energy would publish air sealing results of all new buildings and retrofits and host …
2025 Approved Meeting Schedule for Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals The board shall meet monthly at 1:30 pm or when the board is legally required to meet to comply with a legal deadline. MEETING DATES CANCELLED DATES Notes (The 4th Wednesday) Election of Officers Annual Report Due January 22, 2025 February 26, 2025 March 26, 2025 April 23, 2025 May 28, 2025 June 25, 2025 July 23, 2025 August 27, 2025 September 24, 2025 October 22, 2025 November 20,2025 Moved to 3rd Thursday Thanksgiving- Nov 27&28 December 18, 2025 Moved to 3rd Thursday Xmas and Xmas eve on 24 &25 Remember to note change in regular meeting date if it conflicts with a holiday.
