Gaithersburg council unanimously adopts updated Fire Safety code (Chapter 11)

The Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance on Feb. 2 to repeal and reenact Chapter 11 of the Gaithersburg City Code, updating the city's Fire Safety provisions.

Fire Marshal Michael Semelsberger told the council the ordinance was introduced in December, a public hearing was held last month and the record remained open for 10 days until Jan. 15; to his knowledge, no comments against the ordinance were submitted. "If you have any questions related to the policy, I'm happy to answer those," Semelsberger said before the council moved forward.

Mayor Judd Ashman opened the floor for a motion; the council recorded a motion and second and the measure carried 5‑0. The ordinance was described on the floor as a repeal and reenactment of Chapter 11, titled "Fire Safety" in the Gaithersburg City Code. Fire Marshal Semelsberger thanked staff members who assisted with the process and said he felt more prepared for future presentations.

Council members did not request amendments on the floor and no public testimony opposing the change was reported during the hearing period, according to staff. The council's adoption is the formal legislative action taken by the city; any implementation details or timelines for compliance were not specified during the meeting.