Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The City of Edinburg is proud to celebrate Chief Building Official Natalia Velasquez for earning the prestigious Master Code Professional (MCP) designation from the International Code Council (ICC)—the highest certification awarded by the ICC and widely recognized as the “gold standard” in the code enforcement field.
With this distinction, Velasquez joins an elite group of professionals worldwide who have demonstrated an exceptional mastery of building codes and a deep commitment to public safety and community development.
“The Master Code Professional certification is the pinnacle of all ICC certifications, representing a level of knowledge and dedication that elevates not only the individual achieving it but the code official profession as a whole,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.
To earn the MCP designation, a candidate must pass 10 core ICC exams along with multiple elective exams. Most Master Code Professionals hold 17 or more ICC certifications. In addition, maintaining the designation requires an ongoing commitment to education—at least 60 hours of Continuing Education Units every three years.
“Natalia’s achievement places her among the most accomplished code professionals in the country,” said Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. “Her expertise directly strengthens our community, ensuring safer structures, stronger standards, and enhanced services for our residents. Natalia is a leader, and we are proud to have her on our team.”
In addition to her MCP certification, Velasquez is the only female building official in South Texas to hold a rare combination of credentials, including Certified Building Official, Licensed Master Electrician, Code Enforcement Officer, 28 ICC certifications, and State Plumbing Inspector. Her continued leadership is a powerful asset to the City of Edinburg and a model of excellence in the field of building safety.
