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Council adopts 2018 International Fire Code references, codifies 26‑foot fire apparatus access rule
Summary
The council voted to amend local code to reference the 2018 International Fire Code as adopted by the state and to codify fire apparatus access standards, including a 26‑foot width when hydrants are present.
The Idaho Falls City Council approved an ordinance amending city code to adopt the International Fire Code (2018 edition) as that is the edition the State of Idaho has adopted, and to codify specific fire apparatus access standards.
Fire Chief Nelson explained the amendments are intended to bring the city’s local ordinance into alignment with the 2018 International Fire Code that the state has adopted, and to clarify technical standards for fire apparatus access (turning radii, access width, and hydrant‑adjacent access). Nelson said Appendix D and current practice specify a 26‑foot width where fire hydrants are provided and that the city would codify that requirement.
Councilors questioned the wording of the ordinance and emphasized that the city is adopting the edition the state allows rather than an unconstrained “most current edition.” Councilors discussed how state adoption constrains what the city can reference and the benefits of staying aligned with the state code for consistency.
The ordinance was approved by vote under suspension of the rules (single reading by title), and the council directed publication by summary. The ordinance becomes effective upon publication.
