JACKSON, Wyo. — New editions of Building and Fire codes have gone into effect this winter on Jan. 1 for the Town, and will go into effect on Feb. 1 for the County. Both the Town and County are adopting the 2024 editions of codes for Building, Fire, Wildland Urban Interface, Mechanical, Residential, Plumbing and Fuel Gas.
According to a Town of Jackson (TOJ) press release, Building and Fire codes set minimum requirements to safeguard the health, safety and general welfare of the community. TOJ writes that these codes ensure buildings comply with minimum standards for structural strength, stability, egress, sanitation, light, ventilation and fire safety.
The Town and County’s Building Departments and Jackson Hole Fire/EMS are responsible for reviewing and inspecting construction for compliance with adopted Building and Fire codes.
“Keeping up with current codes is key to upholding public safety of residents and visitors,” TOJ writes. “To assist construction and design professionals in transitioning to the 2024 codes, the Town will have a grace period until March 31, 2025. During this time, plans for buildings submitted to the Town may comply with either the 2021 or 2024 codes. Most of the changes to the Building Code provide more flexibility for designers, owners and contractors, especially for existing buildings.”
Some highlights of building code changes include:
- Carbon monoxide detectors are now required in all occupancy types with gas or wood fireplaces.
- Public-occupancy temporary structures (e.g., farm stands, party tents) can now be installed for a year, with approval.
- Change of Occupancy or use will not require compliance with ADA accessibility if the space is not being altered in any way.
- Existing stairways do not have to be brought up to the current code if replacing existing stairs.
- New design guidelines for electric vehicles and energy storage systems to continue to help with more home-based electric vehicle charging stations.
- Sleeping Lofts are now allowed.
Some highlights of changes to the Fire and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) codes include:
- WUI boundary extension to include all of Town and County, a crucial step toward building a wildfire resilient future in our area, focusing on reducing ember ignition in buildings.
- New permits for temporary heating or cooking in tents, heating or cooking in wildfire risk areas, heating for construction sites, storage and handling of lithium batteries.
- Lithium Battery Storage to address the growing concern over lithium-ion battery fires, new storage limits, sprinkler and explosion control requirements and fire safety plans.
- Powered micromobility devices prohibiting commercial charging operations in residential buildings and adding charging requirements for commercial spaces.
- Clearer guidelines for temporary heating and cooking operations and safety protocols.
- Updates to trash and recycling services in multi-family residential buildings.
- Roof vents are now allowed.
As in prior years, the Town and County are delaying adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) due to the volume of changes and when IECC updates were published. According to the TOJ, staff needs more time to fully consider related community impacts. IECC updates will be presented to electeds later in 2025.
Click here for Title 15 on Building and Construction in the Town’s Code. Contact Building Official Kelly Sluder at KSluder@jacksonwy.gov for questions or details from the Town and/or Building Official and Billy Nunn at bnunn@tetoncountywy.gov with questions or details from the County.
