Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3945 amending Chapter 38 titled "Fire Prevention and Protection" of the Code of Ordinances by adopting the provisions of the 2024 edition of the International Fire Code with amendments; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Fire Department
BACKGROUND:
To ensure that structures in the City of Farmers Branch are built and maintained to a minimum standard for fire safety, the City adopts a model fire code. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) sponsors a review of the most current fire codes and recommends adoption of the code with regional amendments to address regional conditions. These amendments are intended to regionalize code adoptions and promote enforcement of the same set of minimum standards in the region. Model codes are updated on a routine basis through an international governmental consensus process.
Currently, most of our neighboring municipalities have adopted and are enforcing the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) with the NCTCOG amendments.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Farmers Branch routinely adopts updated versions of model construction codes to ensure that structures meet minimum standards for health and safety. Currently, the City of Farmers Branch is enforcing the 2018 International Fire Code. The ordinance, as proposed, will adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) amendments and minimal amendments to address Farmers Branch local issues.
Notable changes to the Farmers Branch local amendments are:
? The addition of a section addressing open burning, bonfires, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. The new amendment would prohibit the burning of rubbish, construction materials, leaves, and domestic waste based on prior historical complaints.
? NCTCOG recommendation to increase the weight load of fire department access roads to support imposed loads of 85,000 lbs. for fire apparatus. This requirement...
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