Agenda Date: 05/05/2026
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 12-2026: An ordinance on first reading amending various sections of Title 5, Fire Regulations, Chapter 2, Fire Prevention of the City Code
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Tim Steinwinder, Chief Building Official |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
Proposal to amend various sections of Title 5, Chapter 2 of the Municipal Fire Regulations by adopting the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments, consistent with prior council direction to remain on current code cycles.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
Staff is proposing a comprehensive update to several technical codes that govern building safety, fire protection, and electrical systems within the city. The proposed updates include:
• Adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) with locally tailored amendments developed by South Metro Fire Rescue to address regional hazards, operational needs, and enforcement consistency.
Staying current with adopted model codes is an outcome that council identified in the city’s strategic plan, Horizon 2027. Regular code updates promote life safety, reduce ambiguity for applicants and contractors, and support consistent enforcement. The proposed codes are widely used across Colorado and nationally, improving predictability for residents, builders, and inspectors.
Public engagement for code adoption is limited in scope due to the technical nature of the material. Outreach primarily occurs through routine interactions with contractors, design professionals, and partner agencies. Coordination occurred with South Metro Fire Rescue on the Fire Code amendments to ensure regional alignment and effective emergency response.
BACKGROUND:
The city relies on nationally recognized model codes developed by the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to regulate building construction and safety. These model codes are updated on a regular cycle to reflect advances in materials, technology, and best practices.
Portions of the City’s fire and electrical codes are based on older editions, creating increasing divergence from current safety standards and neighboring jurisdictions.
Updating codes on a predictable cycle helps ensure public safety, supports consistent enforcement, and reduces confusion for the development community.
Prior Actions or Discussions
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FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments.
ALTERNATIVES:
Choosing not to approve these code changes will leave us using an outdated Fire.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Ordinance 12-2026 on first reading amending various sections of Title 5, Fire Regulations, Chapter 2, Fire Prevention of the city code and to set the second reading and public hearing for May 19, 2026.