AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2019-11, on the first of two readings, amending Chapter 38, Fire Prevention and Protection, of the San Marcos City Code by, among other things, providing that the Fire Marshal shall be appointed by the Fire Chief and revising the local adoption of and amendments to the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code, including the addition of penalties for violations and providing that no culpable mental state is required for violations of this chapter; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; and providing an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: April 16, 2019
Department: Fire Department/Fire Prevention Division
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: N/A
City Council Strategic Initiative:
N/A
Choose an item.
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): ☒ Not Applicable
Master Plan: N/A
Background Information:
In 2015, the current amendments to the fire code were adopted. Based on an ever-changing fire and life safety environment, combined with technology and science, updates to the code are necessary. Also, the proposed amendments bring the City more in-line with local neighbors and best practices across Texas.
There is not a redline of Ordinance 2015-010_International fire code amendments. Instead of starting with our previous amendments (origin unknown) we chose to start with the North Central Texas Council of Government’s (NCTCOG) Regional Codes Coordinating Committee’s (RCCC) model and make only the minimal necessary local amendments to their document. Because of the extensive vetting process undertaken by the RCCC and the input of numerous metroplex fire marshal’s, these amendments are considered “best practices”.
“NCTCOG's Regional Codes Coordinating Committee (RCCC) <https://www.nctcog.org/envir/committees/regional-codes-coordinating-committee> and its five advisory boards conducted multiple meetings to review the latest editions of the model codes and develop regional amendments. Their review and recommendations are endorsed by NCTCOG's Executive Board. Currently, NCTCOG encourages jurisdictions in North Central Texas to adopt the following model construction codes along with their respective regional amendments as expeditiously as their local code adoption process will allow.”
Per direction from the City Council at their April 2, 2019 work session, staff has determined that there are currently 32 multi-family complexes with electric gates. Staff will begin working with property owners to explain the advantages of the Opticom devices to them.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
N/A
Alternatives:
Remain under current amendments.
Recommendation:
Recommend adoption of the Fire Code amendments as propoed.