FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council formally adopted the 2024 Suite of Building and Fire Codes during the Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6. This adoption updates the City’s construction regulations to align with the latest industry standards and includes local amendments that address Flagstaff’s unique conditions and priorities. These codes primarily apply to new buildings and are designed to benefit residents, builders, and the broader community.
A key focus of the new codes is improving indoor air quality by protecting residents from radon, a naturally occurring gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. All new buildings in Flagstaff will be required to include passive radon mitigation systems. Residents concerned about radon in existing buildings are encouraged to conduct testing and mitigate when needed. Free test kits and resources are available from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The newly adopted codes expand energy and water efficiency standards, allowing for reduced utility costs and long-term savings. The codes also make it easier to install solar panels and electric appliances and charge electric vehicles, minimizing the need for costly future retrofits.
Additionally, the new codes enhance community wildfire resilience by promoting non-combustible construction methods and materials. These improvements will help reduce community wildfire risk, protect lives, property and first responders, and may improve insurance availability and/or lower premiums by aligning building materials with the best available wildfire mitigation science.
These codes offer flexibility through incentives for high-performing building practices and multiple compliance pathways. Builders can choose from various combinations of materials, systems, and efficiency measures that best fit each project, rather than relying on a single prescriptive method.
The City collaborated with local stakeholders, industry professionals, neighboring jurisdictions, and City boards and commissions to evaluate the codes and ensure amendments meet Flagstaff’s needs. With this code adoption, Flagstaff joins the 12+ Arizona cities who adopted the 2024 codes.
To support the transition to the new codes, the City will provide educational materials and training opportunities for the building community. Enforcement will begin on Jan. 1, 2027. Any building permit applications submitted on or after that date will be required to comply with the 2024 codes.
Comprehensive summaries of the adopted changes were presented at the Sept. 8 and Sept. 16 Council Meetings. Additional details can be found in the Oct. 6 Council Agenda.
For related questions, please contact the Building Official, Amy Tressler, amy.tressler@flagstaffaz.gov.