Watertown City Council to Vote on 2024 Building Code Update Monday

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will take final action Monday on Ordinance No. 26‑19, which updates the city’s building regulations from the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) to the 2024 edition.

The update is driven largely by Insurance Services Office (ISO) requirements. Staying current with ISO standards helps maintain favorable insurance ratings for the community.

The ordinance adopts the 2024 IBC with local amendments, including:

·        Updated department names

·        Electronic permit submission requirements

·        Clarifications for child‑care occupancy limits

·        Adjustments to incidental use thresholds

·        New rules for automatic‑closing fire doors in stair enclosures

·        Updates to sprinkler exemptions for small apartment buildings

·        Accessibility clarifications for multistory buildings

·        Numerous technical updates to align with state code cycles

Why It Matters

City staff says the update ensures:

·        Compliance with state‑level code adoption

·        Alignment with ISO audit requirements

·        Modernized safety standards for new construction

·        Clearer expectations for designers and contractors

Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten and Building Official Reid Peterson manage the update.

Ordinance No. 26-19 code.pdf

Download PDF • 570KB

A vote is expected Monday. If approved, the 2024 IBC becomes the city’s official building code.