Newton commissioners defer adoption of updated accessibility standard pending state fire marshal review

At a Newton City Commission work session, commissioners discussed adopting updated building-code accessibility standards — specifically ANSI A117.1 — but deferred any formal adoption while staff awaits a review by the state fire marshal.

Rebecca, staff member, told the commission that the only outstanding item from prior comments was updating the flood-insurance-study date to the most current and that the department was awaiting the fire marshal's response before moving ordinances to the full meeting for adoption. "We're waiting to hear back from the state fire marshal," Rebecca said.

Justin, staff member, said the city had mailed and emailed notices to the public and that "nearly 300" letters had been sent requesting comment. Andy, staff member, added that "the statute gives 30 days,…