Douglas County adopts 2024 International Fire Code with limited local amendments

Matthew Jubainski of the Building Division presented a second-reading ordinance to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with limited Douglas County amendments and Appendices B and C. Jubainski said county staff worked with Douglas County fire protection districts and stakeholders to align the fire code with the county’s 2024 building-code updates, to incorporate provisions for new materials and technologies, and to maintain consistency with neighboring jurisdictions and the county’s ISO rating.

Key amendments discussed included clarification of operational-permit thresholds for outdoor assembly events and a new permit requirement for inflatable amusement devices exceeding 400 square feet. Jubainski said the proposed amendments were ‘‘very limited’’ and the Board had worked with the Douglas County Fire Chiefs Association and the Regional Fire Code Board of Appeals; staff also published notice as required by Colorado statute and reported no public comments during outreach.

Dave Woodrick, Franktown Fire chief and president of the Douglas County Fire Chiefs Association, addressed the board and praised staff collaboration across districts, stressing the public-safety benefits of the update. Commissioner (speaker 5) moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading; Commissioner (speaker 3) seconded and the board approved the ordinance.

The ordinance repeals conflicting county ordinances and resolutions and takes effect following standard county processes for code adoption. Building and fire officials said the limited amendments aim to balance safety with cost and operational concerns.