City Council Discusses New Fire Code and Shopping Cart Cleanup Initiative

The McKinney City Council Work Session on August 19, 2025, addressed significant community concerns, particularly regarding public safety and local ordinances. A key discussion centered on the challenges faced by local businesses due to homelessness and drug-related activities. A restaurant owner expressed frustration over the impact of these issues on his establishment, noting that individuals under the influence often make customers uncomfortable and engage in disruptive behavior. He called for increased support for the police department to manage these situations effectively.

The meeting also included a review of proposed updates to the city’s fire protection ordinances. The Fire Chief presented amendments to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code, which includes enhanced safety measures for lithium-ion battery storage, new provisions for electric vehicle charging stations, and updated standards for carbon monoxide detection. These changes aim to improve fire safety in existing buildings and establish a new fee schedule based on permit complexity.

The council plans to hold a public hearing on these amendments, with the new fire code set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The discussions reflect ongoing efforts by the city to address pressing safety concerns while adapting to evolving community needs.