Salina adopts 2018 International Fire Code with one-year exception for certain alcohol events

City staff briefed the commission on proposed adoption of the 2018 International Fire Code with local amendments. One contested element, section 1103.5.0.1, would have retroactively required sprinkler systems for certain Group A-2 occupancies with alcohol service for events over 300 people. After meetings with local stakeholders such as the VFW and the Temple, staff recommended removing that retroactive component for 2026 and adopting it with a staff-proposed exception effective 01/01/2027 if state code changes do not alter the approach.

Fire Marshal Joe Kovacic said the city will still submit amendments to the state for review and that if the state does not respond within the statutory window staff’s amendments will go into effect. The Temple’s executive director said a year would help the historic facility plan sprinkler installation; she noted seven already-booked events would be affected by an immediate requirement. The commission adopted ordinance 25-11266 by roll call, with clarification that pending permits proceed under current code and the retroactive sprinkler requirement would be deferred.