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Smyrna advances 2024 building and fire codes and several zoning text amendments
Summary
Council adopted the 2024 uniform building codes and 2024 International Fire Code and approved multiple zoning text amendments — temporary signage rules, accessory apartments in R4, bail bond agency definitions and locations, and retailer rules for tobacco/vape/cannabinoid products — sending several items to a special called public hearing April 2.
Smyrna Town Council approved adoption of the 2024 uniform building codes and the 2024 International Fire Code and advanced a package of zoning and ordinance changes addressing signage, accessory apartments, bail bond agencies, and tobacco/vape/cannabinoid retailers.
Christie, the town’s codes staff, told council the building‑code ordinance adopts the 2024 uniform codes and that corresponding fire code language was added as part of the package. “This is the ordinance to adopt the codes for 2024,” Christie said; council asked no substantive follow‑ups and approved the adoption by voice vote.
Planning staff (Kevin) introduced several text amendments the planning commission and staff had reviewed. Changes to the sign ordinance would narrow permitted banner timeframes and remove streamers, pennants and inflatable signs from allowable temporary signage. Kevin said the measures respond to prior joint discussions about community aesthetics and safety after examples of leaning flags and unattended inflatables were shown at a joint planning/council meeting.
A separate amendment would add accessory apartments as a special exception in the R4 (medium‑density) district — an option already allowed in R1–R3 — limited to lots with single‑family primary residences. Another text change defines bail bond agencies and places them into suitable commercial and limited industrial districts with specific special‑exception rules where appropriate. The council also approved new definitions and location restrictions for retailers whose primary business is tobacco, vape or cannabinoid products. Planning recommended approval of all four text amendments.
Several council members reiterated aesthetic and safety concerns; one member showed a photo of flags leaning into a lane and urged strict enforcement. Council approved the text amendments; Kevin told the audience items five–eight (the sign, accessory apartment, bail bond agency and tobacco/vape retailer amendments) will be heard at a special called meeting on April 2 for public hearing and final action.
Why it matters: Adopting the 2024 model codes brings local requirements into alignment with the current national model code cycles and can affect construction permitting, inspection standards and fire prevention across the town. The zoning text amendments change where and how certain businesses and accessory dwelling units may operate, with direct implications for property owners, landlords and small businesses.
Next steps: Staff will publish the adopted code changes and prepare the April 2 special called meeting materials for final public hearings on the listed ordinance amendments.
