Corpus Christi, Texas – At today’s regular city council meeting, Mayor Pauletto Guajardo and the city council approved the adoption of building and fire codes into the 2021 International Council on Code (ICC) standards.
The City of Corpus Christi is currently using the 2015 edition of the International Normative Council with local amendments.
Some code updates include:
- Building Standards Law
- Defines and regulates puzzle rooms (escape rooms), shipping containers, and machine-accessible enclosed parking lots
- Increased use of Type IV construction (heavy timber) – Tall wooden buildings
- Fire Service Act
- Added sprinkler requirements for certain types of existing multi-family and multi-story homes
- Improve energy storage systems (ESS) and storage requirements for spirits and wines.
- mechanical cord
- Machine rooms larger than 1,000 square feet must have two remote exits to provide additional exits to prevent suffocation of machine room occupants in the event of refrigerant release.
- Require a means of regulating the airflow of all distribution, exhaust, and ventilation systems in an approved manner
- Electrical cord
- Adds flexibility to existing upgraded box locations and uses wire sizes and types
- Add surge protection to single and two family homes
- plumbing code
- Adds capacity for multi-user restroom facilities that act as credits
- Add Alternative – Rainwater Harvesting System
- swimming pool code
- Added splash pad design and safety requirements
- Create requirements for construction fences and barriers
Since 1929, the City of Corpus Christi has maintained building codes that require the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, safety, and security of various types of buildings to protect life, health, and property. We provide regulations that specify minimum standards for maintenance. Public welfare for citizens of this city.
A second City Council vote on the bill is scheduled for January 31st, with an effective date of August 1st.
