NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission has adopted updates to the City’s building codes to bring them up-to-date and more closely match the City of Wichita, where most Newton contractors also do business.
The updates included the 2024 editions of the International Building Code, the International Mechanical Code, and the International Existing Building Code, and the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code. The new code adoption followed multiple work sessions to solicit feedback from local contractors and building owners. It also followed adoption of the new International Fire Code earlier this year.
During Tuesday’s meeting Commissioners heard an update on Newton Next, a new comprehensive plan for the city which will replace the existing ReNewton plan developed in 2010.
Information on Newton Next is being shared on the new project website, NewtonNextPlan.com. As part of this community members have been invited to join the Community Voices Team to provide insight into the plan and to take the community survey now available.
In-person events to gather input include a visioning workshop Oct. 7 from 6-8 PM at Fire/EMS Station 3 at 2520 South Kansas, and a public open house Oct. 8 from 6-8 PM, also at Station 3.
The Commission authorized the sale of $5.5 million in General Obligation Bonds to finance infrastructure projects for Fox Ridge Addition, the First and Spencer traffic signal project, and Quail Creek Avenue street and water line extension. The Commission awarded the bid to Robert W. Baird & Co. with an interest rate of 3.82%.
Temporary alcohol permits were approved for the United Way Chili Cookoff on West 6th and Blues, Brews and Barbecue including city services in Athletic Park, bothon Sept. 27. Street closings were approved for the Taste of Newton Oct. 2 and Newton High School’s Homecoming Parade Oct. 3.
