Board adopts fire-code amendments over one dissenting vote
Drexel Heights adopted amendments to its fire code (Resolution 2026-10) to harmonize requirements with neighboring jurisdictions; the measure passed 3-1 after questions about gates and inspector consistency.
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The Drexel Heights Fire District board voted 3-1 to adopt amendments to the district's fire code under Resolution 2026-10 at its June 26 meeting. Community Risk Reduction Director Dennis Stiegleiter told the board the changes are intended to align the district code with the Town of Sahuarita and the Santa Rita Fire District so inspections are consistent across jurisdictions. "We needed to match the Town of Sahuarita and Santa Rita Fire District so it is the same for the inspectors," Stiegleiter said during the public hearing. Laura Dailey asked whether Rincon Valley would change its code to match; Stiegleiter said Rincon Valley will revisit their code to align. Dailey raised a question about electric operating gates; Stiegleiter said the amendment does not introduce a new requirement and that businesses have manual overrides so emergency services can access properties. Board Chair Gary Bynum moved adoption; James Bertrand seconded. The motion carried 3-1 with Dailey recorded as the nay vote. The minutes record the public hearing was opened and closed and that Ms. Dailey voted against the final adoption. The adoption is intended to reduce inspection inconsistencies between neighboring jurisdictions and to clarify operational expectations for inspectors.
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