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Fort Smith adopts 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
Summary
The board adopted the 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code to align Neighborhood Services with Building & Safety; staff noted mostly administrative and life-safety updates and said copies will be available at the clerk’s office and online.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted to amend the municipal code and adopt the 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code on Jan. 20, 2026, to align code enforcement with the Building & Safety Department.
Sean Gard, Director of Neighborhood Services, told the board that most changes between the 2018 and 2021 editions are administrative and in the administration sections, with a notable life-safety emphasis in the 2021 edition. He cited new language limiting use of portable space heaters as main heat sources and other fire-prevention enhancements.
During public comment, a resident asked how the copyrighted code could be made available to citizens. Staff said three hard copies are on file with the city clerk and that staff would make a link to the International Code Council’s online materials available on the city website if the ordinance was adopted.
The board adopted the ordinance with suspension of the rules and approved it by roll call (6 in favor, 1 opposed). Staff said they will work to post public access links and make the code available for review.
