The 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 similar 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 is adopted by reference, publication of the code, at length, by the municipality shall not be required. However, at least six copies of all such codes so adopted shall be kept in the office of the Clerk of Council for consultation by interested persons, during regular office hours, and additional copies shall always be available for sale, at cost, by the Clerk of Council.