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Douglas County OKs first reading to adopt 2024 International Fire Code with limited local amendments
Summary
At first reading June 9 the county approved adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code with narrowly tailored local amendments (assembly-permit thresholds, inflatable-amusement rules, hyperbaric exceptions) to align county fire safety standards with current model codes and neighboring jurisdictions.
Douglas County commissioners approved on first reading an ordinance to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with limited local amendments aimed at aligning county requirements with the model code and regional practice.
Matthew Jubinsky, the county’s chief building official, told the board the proposed update keeps local amendments minimal while improving clarity for designers, contractors and event operators. Key local changes include clarified thresholds for permits at outdoor assembly events, explicit permit requirements for inflatable amusement devices over 400 square feet, and an exception for certain hyperbaric installations. Jubinsky said the amendments also remove a locally amended fireflow table to rely on the model code’s published flow tables.
Jubinsky said the Douglas County Fire Chiefs and fire marshals reviewed and recommended the amendments and that the changes support public and firefighter safety while limiting unnecessary complexity for builders. No members of the public asked to speak on the measure at the meeting.
Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the ordinance on first reading and passed it by voice vote. The item will return for a second reading and final adoption, allowing for any drafting refinements requested by the board or stakeholders.
What happens next: Staff will prepare the ordinance text for second reading and finalize appendices B and C for formal adoption; the county said the update is intended to maintain consistent safety and insurance rating benefits across Douglas County.
