Council may adopt model or standard codes prepared and published by public or private agencies on such matters as fire prevention, building construction, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other topics by reference to the date and source of the code without reproducing it at length in the ordinance. However, if the Council desires to modify, add to or eliminate from any such code any section or part thereof, such addition, modification or omission shall be clearly stated in the ordinance. In all cases in which such a code shall be adopted by reference, publication of the code, at length, by the City, shall not be required. However, a copy of all such codes shall be kept in the municipal offices for consultation by interested persons during regular office hours and additional copies shall be made available for sale, at cost by the City.