Timnath adopts 2024 International Fire Code, adds lithium-ion battery rules

The Timnath Town Council adopted the 2024 International Fire Code by ordinance on July 22, voting 4-0 after a public hearing and staff presentation. Director Robinson introduced the ordinance and Poudre Fire Authority Chief McGaffin described the code changes and the local stakeholder review process.

Chief McGaffin said the 2024 code includes new technical provisions that address modern fire risks, including storage and use rules for lithium-ion batteries and updated provisions for storm shelters, pool barriers and other occupancies. He said the updated code allowed the fire authority and local building officials to remove some previous local amendments because the 2024 model already includes many technical clarifications.

Robinson noted that Fort Collins has adopted the same 2024 changes and that Larimer County was considering adoption; the town’s proposal mirrors the regional approach to keep enforcement consistent across neighboring jurisdictions. A member of the public, builder Frank Holsworth, asked about local flexibility and the process for considering modifications when local stakeholders request changes. Robinson and McGaffin said the fire authority has alternative means-and-methods and stakeholder-review processes to consider local requests.

Following the public hearing, councilors expressed support for the update. The motion to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code passed 4-0.

Ending

Robinson said staff will provide a red-line or highlighted version of code changes for council review on request and that local enforcement will follow the model code provisions.