FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

City of Farmington to Adopt New Building Codes

Farmington, Missouri (June 19, 2026) – The City of Farmington will be adopting the newest editions of the International Code Council (ICC) family of building codes and National Electric Code (NEC) to replace its current codes.

Farmington is currently operating under the 2015 International Codes (ICC) and the 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC), which were adopted in 2018. This adoption will replace the previously adopted codes with the most current code cycle.

State law requires that the City adopt the codes by ordinance. Missouri's adoption-by-reference statute (Section 67.280, RSMo) sets three core requirements:

• At least one copy of each code must be on file with the City Clerk and available for public inspection for ninety days before adoption.
• The ordinance must identify each code precisely by edition and publisher.
• The penalty for violations must be written into the ordinance itself, not incorporated by reference.

The following codes will be considered for adoption:

• 2024 International Building Code
• 2024 International Residential Code
• 2024 International Plumbing Code
• 2024 International Mechanical Code
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2024 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2024 International Existing Building Code
• 2024 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
• 2024 International Private Sewage Disposal Code
• 2024 International Fire Code
• 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)

The ICC updates codes every three years, but the City does not adopt every cycle. Due to adoption costs including staff time, legal review, and new reference materials, the City opts to update less frequently than updates are made available. Updates also require staff to work with builders and design professionals to become familiar with the new codes. Adopting periodically avoids a near-constant transition.

The new codes cover the full range of construction, from structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems to fire safety, for new construction and major renovations. Updated codes reflect current construction science and keep everyone building to the same modern standard.

Two Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings tie to this work, the Public Protection Classification (PPC) for fire protection, and the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) for code currency and enforcement. Both run on a 1-to-10 scale where lower is better. Current, well-enforced codes can strengthen these ratings.

The Building Code Advisory Board, made up of local contractors and a local architect, reviewed the updated codes, proposed local amendments, and recommended adoption to the City Council.

Copies of each code, plus the proposed adopting ordinance with local amendments, are now on display for public review at the City Clerk's office at Long Memorial Hall, located at 110 West Columbia Street in Farmington.

The updated codes will be available for residents to review for ninety days. Residents may inspect the materials or submit written comments to the City Clerk during this timeframe, and before final adoption. No public hearing is required, only the inspection-availability period. Following the conclusion of the inspection-availability period, which begins on June 20, 2026, the City Council will consider adoption of the codes at a regular City Council meeting.

The Development Services Department invites builders and homeowners to contact us with any questions regarding the changes. For more information, please visit farmington-mo.gov or call 573-756-0608.

Media Contacts

Tim Porter

Director Of Development Services

City of Farmington

Kristen White

Communications Director

City of Farmington