Certain municipalities must post notice before considering changes to a national model code, encourage public comment, and sometimes hold a public hearing.
Sec. 214.217. NOTICE REGARDING MODEL CODE ADOPTION OR AMENDMENT IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. (a) In this section, "national model code" means a publication that is developed, promulgated, and periodically updated at a national level by organizations consisting of industry and government fire and building safety officials through a legislative or consensus process and that is intended for consideration by units of government as local law. National model codes include the International Residential Code, the National Electrical Code, and the International Building Code. (b) This section applies only to a municipality with a population of more than 100,000. (c) On or before the 21st day before the date the governing body of a municipality takes action to consider, review, and recommend the adoption of or amendment to a national model code governing the construction, renovation, use, or maintenance of buildings and building systems in the municipality, the governing body shall publish notice of the proposed action conspicuously on the municipality's Internet website. (d) The governing body of the municipality shall make a reasonable effort to encourage public comment from persons affected by the proposed adoption of or amendment to a national model code under this section. (e) On the written request from five or more persons or if required by Section 214.212(e) or 214.216(f), the governing body of the municipality shall hold a public hearing open to public comment on the proposed adoption of or amendment to a national model code under this section. The hearing must be held on or before the 14th day before the date the governing body adopts the ordinance that adopts or amends a national model code under this section. (f) If the governing body of a municipality has established an advisory board or substantially similar entity for the purpose of obtaining public comment on the proposed adoption of or amendment to a national model code, this section does not apply. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 130 (S.B. 820), Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 315 (H.B. 738), Sec. 3, eff. January 1, 2022.