(By RYAN SKAITH)

The City’s Trades Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the City Hall Council Chambers to discuss the potential adoption of updated building codes.

The City of St. Joseph currently operates under 2018 standards and is considering a transition to the 2024 editions of the International Code Council’s model codes. This update would also include the 2023 National Electrical Code. The city typically reviews these international revisions every six years to ensure local regulations align with current industry standards and safety practices.

The proposal includes updates to the International Building, Fire, Residential, and Property Maintenance codes, among others. While the city uses international models as a foundation, officials noted that the adoption process typically includes minor amendments specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the St. Joseph community.

The upcoming meeting follows several prior reviews by the Trades Board of Appeals. This session will serve as the final discussion before the board issues a formal recommendation to the City Council.

Members of the public interested in the proposed updates or specific amendments are encouraged to attend the hearing.