The Policy and Finance Committee moved July 8 to approve a proposal recommending adoption of the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code with local amendments.

Richard, speaking for the city’s building/mechanical code reviewers and the Board of Mechanical Examiners, said the Uniform Mechanical Code (published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) is used to guide installation and repair of mechanical systems and that Topeka’s practice is to update codes every three years. “The board is making a recommendation that we adopt the 2024 uniform mechanical code with amendments and staff supports that recommendation,” Richard said during the meeting.

Richard told the committee the uniform code is more comprehensive for the city’s needs and that peer jurisdictions commonly use recent code editions; staff reached out to industry stakeholders and the board reviewed potential changes. Committee members asked whether any sections had been controversial; Richard cited one example — an added outdoor safety valve on some units that increases cost by about $15 but was adopted for safety reasons.

The committee voted to approve the recommendation as presented. A councilmember moved to approve and the motion was seconded; the committee recorded a voice vote in which members responded “aye.” Staff said the update will align Topeka with the latest national mechanical standards and improve consistency in permitting and inspections.

Why it matters: Adopting the 2024 UMC updates technical requirements for heating, ventilation and mechanical systems, affects building permits and inspections, and reduces the need for staff to consult multiple code sources by using a single, updated standard. Staff said the board and stakeholders participated in preparing the proposed local amendments.

Next steps: the committee recommendation will proceed to the governing body for final adoption. Details of the adopted amendments and the effective date will be posted with the ordinance and implemented through the city’s permitting process.