Lyon County staff proposed adopting the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) and the Northern Nevada amendments on Dec. 18 to align county code with the state and local fire districts. Community Development Director Gavin Henderson summarized the change and said adoption fulfills compatibility requirements under state rules (NAC 477.740) and allows consistent standards for local fire protection districts.

Henderson highlighted code updates that commissioners asked about: new provisions for energy storage systems and lithium‑ion battery installations; expanded carbon monoxide detection requirements; stronger emergency responder communications systems for new construction; and a change allowing certain fire access roads to be built with a compacted base instead of full pavement, reducing cost burdens for development. He also noted Northern Nevada amendments addressing daycare occupancy thresholds, battery recycling facilities and updated address‑identification signage requirements for first responders.

Commissioners debated appeals procedures, address identification in rural settings, the threshold for automatic fire sprinklers (fire area over 5,000 sq. ft.), and a 25% to 50% increase in fire‑flow requirements. Several commissioners asked for the state/local fire marshal representative to present more granular technical details. Commissioner Keller moved to table the ordinance and return it with the appropriate fire marshal representation; the motion passed 4-1 (Commissioner Jacobson opposed).

Next steps: Staff said they will bring the item back with the Central Lyon/Northern Nevada representatives available to answer implementation and appeals questions before any formal adoption vote.