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Sterling Heights council introduces 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments
Summary
The Sterling Heights City Council voted to introduce an ordinance adopting the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments after a presentation from the fire department and staff. Council and staff said the update addresses new hazards such as battery technology and will be used in plan review and inspections for commercial projects.
The Sterling Heights City Council on an introductory vote moved to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments, following a presentation by Fire Chief Kevin Edmond and his team.
The update “provides the ability to consistently manage these hazards going forward,” Fire Chief Kevin Edmond said, citing new risks from battery technology and new safety features such as smart electric cooktops.
The code change was introduced by Councilmember Missus Seroski and supported by another member; the motion was declared carried. The ordinance would amend chapter 20 of the city code to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments.
Nut graf: City staff and the fire department told council the update is designed to align Sterling Heights’ fire-safety rules with modern hazards and building technology; staff said the code will be applied in plan review and inspections for projects that come forward under the city’s existing review process.
Fire marshal Mike Solomon and Community Risk Reduction Officer Tracy Davis, along with retired Sean Allen, told council the department spent about 12 months reviewing the 600‑plus‑page code and comparing it with the city’s current building code so the two sets of requirements do not conflict. Don, a staff member who participated in the review, also addressed legal and procedural details.
During council questions, members asked how the changes would affect existing businesses and developments. Fire Marshal Mike Solomon said current buildings are not retroactively altered by the introduction; instead, the department will apply the 2024 code during new plan reviews and inspections. “When we go out and do inspections…make sure everything’s up to date, like their fire safety systems, fire alarms, fire suppression systems,” the fire marshal said.
Councilmembers pressed about timelines and compliance for commercial properties. Chief Edmond and the fire marshal said the department’s approach emphasizes education and working with businesses to correct violations rather than immediate fines. “Our philosophy…is education to the community,” the fire marshal said, and enforcement would follow only after opportunities to correct issues.
Council members also raised technical questions about specific provisions, including an illustrated requirement that encourages separation between building corners to aid firefighting access. The fire department said those separation requirements apply to new developments going forward; existing buildings would be grandfathered.
Ending: Council approved the ordinance introduction; the transcript records the introductory vote and public discussion. Further legal steps (public hearing, second reading, effective date) were not specified in the meeting record provided.
