Salina adopts updated 2018 building and trade codes, delays controversial fire-sprinkler rule

Salina commissioners on Dec. 8 approved most of a multi-year update to the city's building and trade codes, adopting 2018 model code language with local amendments and an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, while allowing active and pending permits to proceed under the existing code.

The package covers a broad set of code booksincluding the International Building Code, International Residential Code, Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical codes, the National Electrical Code and the new International Existing Building Code. Lauren Driscoll, director of community and development services, said the review began in August 2022, involved seven subcommittees that met 38 times and included public meetings and targeted outreach to contractors, building trades and affected businesses.

Why it matters: staff told the commission the updated model language aligns Salina with national safety standards and reduces the number of local amendments. "What you'll see is actually we have a reduction in the number of amendments that we've brought forward," Driscoll said, summarizing the committee work and outreach that informed the recommendations.

Key local choices: staff recommended retaining the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code locally because the 2018 IECC adds mandatory testing and third-party verification that local contractors and testing capacity cannot yet support without added cost and delay. The commission approved that recommendation.

Fire code debate: the most contested issue was the International Fire Code's retroactive requirement that automatic sprinklers be installed where alcoholic beverages are consumed in A2 assembly occupancies with an occupant-load threshold of 300 or more. Fire officials presented national data on lives saved by sprinkler systems and noted the IFC places this rule in Chapter 11, a retroactive chapter reserved for life-safety-critical requirements.

Staff proposed a local amendment to balance life-safety concerns and operational feasibility: "Our exception we add to thatwe'd like to see is an automatic sprinkler system shall not be required where the occupant load is restricted to fewer than 300 occupants," staff explained. That amendment would permit alcohol for events limited to under 300 attendees or require events over 300 to be alcohol-free unless sprinklers are installed.

Stakeholder outreach: staff said it met with the three local venues likely to be affectedthe Muse Ballroom, the VFW and the Masonic Templeto discuss retrofit options, event management strategies, and documentation for previously booked events. Temple executive director Mary Landis notified staff that she had deposit information for eight 2026 events; staff recommended verifying deposits to allow those events to proceed while longer-term options are worked out.

Decision and next steps: commissioners approved seven ordinances adopting the model codes with local amendments by roll call, each motion clarifying that pending or active permits may proceed under the current code. The single IFC provision addressing A2 sprinklers (ordinance 25-11266) was postponed to the Dec. 22 meeting to allow additional stakeholder engagement and to consider a separate local timeline (staff discussed the option of delaying the local amendment's effective date to give affected venues time to adapt). Staff said if the state fire marshal adopts similar language, the city could not be less restrictive in its own code.

The commission's action modernizes Salina's minimum construction standards while leaving a narrow, time-limited path for existing projects to complete under prior rules; commissioners and staff said further outreach and clearer administrative guidance will follow so building permit applicants and affected venues understand compliance timelines and available options.