Sedgwick County adopts 2025 fire code, approves 85 local amendments

Sedgwick County commissioners on Wednesday approved a resolution adopting the 2025 Sedgwick County Fire Code, which incorporates the 2024 International Fire Code and 85 county-specific amendments. The motion passed on a roll call vote with all five commissioners voting aye.

The action updates the county’s fire-safety standards and local amendments that the county fire marshal and building officials reviewed in 2024. Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Fire Marshal Brad Crisp said the update “does provide for adequate fire protection, public safety, public health and public welfare” and does not “unnecessarily increase construction costs” while aligning county requirements with the new model code.

Crisp and staff presented an amendment package they said was the product of internal review, the local fire code board of standards and appeals, and consultations with the Wichita and Derby fire departments, the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) and industry stakeholders. The package retains 47 longstanding Sedgwick County requirements, removes 29 antiquated amendments and reorganizes clarifications. Crisp said 26 of the local amendments are less restrictive than the model code, 14 are more restrictive and seven reflect state requirements tied to fireworks and explosives.

Key more-restrictive changes highlighted in the presentation include: - A requirement to maintain exterior riser rooms at a minimum of 40 degrees to protect systems from freezing. - New measures for certain two‑structure venues (for example, rural event venues) that lack sprinkler systems: where sprinklers cannot be provided, the county will require an added third exit and a manual fire alarm system under the updated code language. - Larger required window egress dimensions in some cases (from 30x30 inches to 30x48 inches). - Signage for fire department systems increased from 1‑inch to 4‑inch lettering to improve visibility. - A 500‑foot separation standard for parking hazardous materials away from heavily populated or residential areas.

Crisp also described a proposed fee change for plan reviews and inspections performed for jurisdictions outside the Fire District 1 taxing boundary. Many of those communities use volunteer fire departments and rely on the county or MABCD for plan review and inspections. Crisp said doubling certain permit and plan‑review fees for addresses outside the fire district would “spread costs” to jurisdictions that do not pay the district mill levy. Commissioner Beatty asked for and received that explanation during the presentation.

Commissioners heard no public comment during the code public hearing. County Counselor Justin Wagner noted a clerical reference in the resolution text and confirmed the action adopts the “2025 Sedgwick County Fire Code” incorporating the 2024 International Fire Code. After brief commissioner remarks, Chairman Ryan Beatty moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and passed on a 5–0 roll call (Commissioners Meitzner, Dennis, Howe, Lopez and Chairman Beatty voted aye).

The marshal said the county will transmit the adopted code package to the State Fire Marshal’s office as the next step. The county indicated the new code and amendments will be implemented through the county’s permitting and inspection processes and through MABCD where applicable.