Watertown City Council to Vote on 2024 Residential Building Code Update Monday
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 19
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will hold a second reading Monday on Ordinance No. 26‑18, which updates the city’s residential building standards from the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) to the 2024 edition.
The update follows the State of South Dakota’s adoption of the 2024 IRC, effective July 1, 2026.
Snow Load Change Not Adopted
The most significant change in the 2024 IRC is an increase in required ground snow load from 50 psf to 64.4 psf. City staff recommends retaining the current 50 psf requirement, noting:
· Watertown has not experienced roof failures under the existing standard
· The higher requirement would increase construction costs
· Local conditions do not justify the increase
Other Key Updates
The ordinance also:
· Removes permit requirements for replacing same‑size windows and doors in owner‑occupied homes (required by Senate Bill 3)
· Updates terminology to match the 2024 code
· Retains several long‑standing local amendments
· Clarifies inspection, egress, frost‑line, and ventilation requirements
· Maintains local exceptions for mechanical ventilation and duct testing
Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten and Building Official Reid Peterson oversee the update.
A vote is expected Monday. If approved, the 2024 IRC becomes the city’s official residential building code.
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