Detroit council updates fire code to 2021 NFPA standards, approves ordinance unanimously

Detroit City Council voted Tuesday to amend Chapter 18 of the 2019 Detroit City Code — the Fire Prevention and Protection Code — to align local language and criteria with the 2021 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Council members and the law department briefly summarized the technical nature of the changes at third reading, explaining the update modernizes references and adds factors that constitute prima facie evidence of compliance. Law department counsel said the changes are largely technical but important for the Fire Department’s ability to perform inspections and enforce code consistently.

Council member Vincent moved and the body approved the ordinance as amended. The clerk recorded nine ayes; the motion passed and the title of the ordinance was confirmed. Council attached a waiver and noted a minor scrivener’s correction on the final page.

What it means: The change updates local ordinance references from the 2015 NFPA editions to 2021 versions, adds updated language about fireworks, ethylene oxide handling, compressed gases and other technical provisions and reorganizes certain numbering for clarity. The Fire Department told council the update helps their operations and regulatory alignment with state standards.

Quote: "The purpose of this ordinance is to bring the current city of Detroit's fire code up to speed to be consistent with the state of Michigan's fire code," — law department counsel.

Next steps: The ordinance was approved in session and the title confirmed; implementation and enforcement will be handled through the Fire Department under the updated code.