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Council moves to adopt 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments addressing EV charging, batteries and senior-community plans
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Summary
Fire staff presented the 2024 International Fire Code and recommended local amendments covering battery storage, EV charging rules, micro-mobility device restrictions, fire-lane continuity and new expectations for senior retirement communities; council moved to adopt the ordinance H1.
City fire staff presented proposed adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code and a set of local amendments aimed at improving life-safety and consistency with regional partners.
Staff summarized key changes in the 2024 edition and the recommended local amendments: expanded requirements for lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems; broader sprinkler and detection requirements tied to modern hazards; new sections addressing battery storage, micro-mobility device storage/charging and emergency disconnects for EV chargers so firefighters can isolate power; and administrative changes that create a clearer appeals process for code interpretations.
Local amendments would require fire-lane continuity between adjacent lots for new multifamily and commercial developments (and recording the fire-lane easement on the plat), add remote shunt-trip capability for buildings over 6,000 square feet to allow firefighters to cut power from the exterior, and clarify residential sprinkler policy (removing a two-meter requirement that had increased sprinkler costs). Staff emphasized that the changes aim to protect firefighter safety and reduce damage during incidents.
For senior-retirement communities, staff proposed annual emergency-response planning and communication with residents and families; staff also noted state legislation effective July 1 will allow mobile food vendors to be permitted by the State Department of Health, and Keller will require registration and a valid one-year fire inspection for vendors operating in the city.
Councilmember Wally moved to approve H1; a second followed. The transcript records the motion and second and indicates the council proceeded to a vote; the meeting record provided did not include a roll-call tally in the transcript, and staff acknowledged appreciation for the presentation.
Staff will provide ordinance documents for formal adoption and any necessary administrative steps for implementation. The record shows the item proceeded with a motion to adopt and council discussion; transcript does not contain a recorded roll-call tally for the final adoption within the excerpt provided.
