If a city decides to adopt a specific amendment, T.C.A. provides two alternate methods. The first method is straightforward. The governing body of the city passes an ordinance adopting the published amendments by reference.^[16] As with complete building codes adopted by reference, amendments to building codes must be on file in the recorder's office at least 15 days before the ordinance incorporating them by reference is adopted.^[17] If the ordinance adopting the building code is in the city's municipal code, the ordinance adopting the amendment should be written to amend the municipal code section and not the original ordinance. See Sample 4, "Ordinance incorporating amendments to building codes—amending a municipal code." If the ordinance adopting the building code is not in a municipal code, the ordinance should be written to amend the ordinance that adopted the building code. See Sample 5, "Ordinance incorporating amendments to building codes—amending an existing ordinance."

^[16] T.C.A. § 6-54-503.

^[17] T.C.A. § 6-54-503(b).