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Howard County Council adopts updated fire prevention code
Summary
The council voted to adopt the NFPA 2018 edition as the Howard County Fire Prevention Code (Council Bill 35-2019) after removing the bill from the table; the motion passed with all members present voting yes.
The Howard County Council on Sept. 3, 2019 voted to adopt the 2018 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire code as the Howard County Fire Prevention Code, approving Council Bill 35-2019 for final passage.
Council members moved to remove CB 35-2019 from the table for final consideration and then voted to approve the ordinance. Members confirmed staff had reconciled a prior concern and that no amendment was required before passage. The clerk called the roll and the motion carried with all members present voting in favor.
The adopted ordinance incorporates NFPA 2018 fire‑safety standards into county code and sets updated fire safety requirements for structures in the county "in order to protect life and property," as the legislative summary read. Council discussion was limited to procedural questions about whether earlier concerns required amendment; the council concluded they did not.
The council did not identify any immediate changes to permit or enforcement processes during the meeting; staff and the fire marshal's office were thanked for their work on the ordinance. The council's action sends the updated fire prevention code into county law as adopted on final reading.
The clerk recorded the passage of CB 35-2019; the council moved on to other agenda items and adjourned later that evening.
