Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Safety Sprinkler Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Salina board backs local exception to sprinkler rule for venues serving alcohol under 300 people
Summary
The Building Advisory Board recommended a local exception to the 2018 International Fire Code for A-2 (assembly) occupancies, allowing alcohol service at events with fewer than 300 occupants while requiring sprinklering or other compliance for larger events; the recommendation will go to the city commission.
The Salina Building Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend a local exception to the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) that exempts existing A-2 assembly occupancies from a retroactive sprinkler mandate when alcohol is consumed at events with fewer than 300 occupants.
The board’s action, introduced by staff as "Option 3," responds to concerns from nonprofits and private venues in Salina that a strict, retroactive interpretation of the IFC would force costly sprinkler retrofits for a small number of annual events. Staff told the board three local venues—the VFW, the Temple, and one ballroom—were identified as the primary affected sites; the ballroom owner reportedly no longer serves alcohol and would not be affected under current operations.
Why it matters: staff said the IFC’s language treats "consumption" broadly, including brought-in alcohol, and that a retroactive application could require sprinklers at venues that previously operated without them. The board balanced life-safety concerns (citing historical fires and the rationale for sprinklers) with the fiscal impact on nonprofit venues that stage a few large events per year.
What the board approved: the local exception would allow alcohol service at events with up to 299 occupants; events at or above 300 occupants would remain subject to sprinkler requirements or other code-compliant measures. Board members discussed adding a compliance window for venues to plan and budget; several favored combining the local exception with a separate compliance window or longer timeframe to allow for permits and installations.
State review and limits: staff emphasized that any local amendment must be sent to the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office for review. If the local amendment is judged less restrictive than state standards after the state updates to the 2024 code cycle, the state could require changes. Staff noted Salina currently references the 2006 cycle and that the proposed exception is likely acceptable until the state adopts the 2024 cycle.
Next steps: the board formally moved to adopt Option 3 (the local exception to IFC 1103.50.1) and the motion carried unanimously. The advisory board will forward its recommendation and the supporting resolution to the Salina City Commission for final action scheduled to be considered on Monday, December 8.
