The Gaithersburg City Council on Dec. 1 introduced an ordinance to update the city's Chapter 11 fire code to align with the National Fire Protection Association's 2024 editions and related standards.

Fire Marshal Michael Semelsberger told the council the changes are largely renumbering and alignment with the state adoption of the 2024 edition but include a handful of substantive updates. Among them: the city would require that building owners submit fire protection system inspection/test reports through a city‑identified third‑party data management company (the "compliance engine" used statewide) rather than directly to the fire marshal; the fire marshal would be able to withhold final approval of permits where inspection and test records are overdue; and the code would add a definition of "work area" to clarify when substantial renovations trigger an automatic sprinkler requirement (for example, when the work area exceeds 50% of a building's gross area).

Semelsberger said the change to require submission through a data manager resolved a recurring compliance problem and that the city contracts with the compliance engine program; he noted a fee is associated with that service. Semelsberger explained the new permit withholding subsection is intended to prompt building owners to update overdue records without delaying plan review.

Council discussion focused on drafting and flexibility: Council members asked whether the ordinance should allow the city to change the designated third‑party provider. City Attorney Frank Johnson and other staff proposed clarifying language to refer to a "city‑identified third‑party management company" or to insert a reservation allowing the city manager to direct an alternate recipient; the council agreed to review wording before the public hearing.

The council moved to introduce the ordinance at the Dec. 1 meeting; the motion to introduce passed. Staff said a public hearing on the ordinance is expected in January.

Ending: The ordinance was introduced; the council directed staff to refine the wording about the city's designated data manager before the public hearing and scheduled further consideration at a public hearing in January.