County moves to publish public hearing for 2024 International Fire Code adoption and updated fee schedule

Guadalupe County commissioners authorized publication of notice and set a July 1 public hearing on proposed adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) with local amendments, and reviewed a draft fee schedule for fire marshal permits and inspections.

County fire officials presented a redlined draft of approximately 70 pages of code amendments and an accompanying fee schedule that would consolidate and update permit fees. The draft raises a new base permit fee level (reflected in the presentation as a $200 base) and adjusts fees for commercial projects, RV parks and administrative consolidation for multi‑building projects (for example, handling certificate-of-occupancy fees and permit grouping for apartment complexes). The fire marshal’s office said three staff positions in that office are funded entirely by permit revenue and that the recent fee structure produced nearly $650,000 in revenues in the prior year.

Commissioners and staff discussed how the code and fee schedule intersect with subdivision rules; county staff said they will coordinate with the subdivision rulebook review to avoid imposing major-plat-level requirements on minor plats and to calibrate fire-code triggers tied to ingress/egress and building square footage. Fire officials said they will meet individually with commissioners and publish the amendments in advance of the July public hearing so contractors and districts can review the changes. The court authorized publishing notice and set July 1 as the public‑hearing date.

County staff indicated the code adoption would not be rushed; the schedule anticipates a July public hearing and an adoption timeline intended to allow stakeholders time to review the amendments and submit feedback. The court advised fire staff to provide an executive summary and meet with individual commissioners and stakeholders before final action.