Watertown City Council to Vote on 2024 International Fire Code Update Monday
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 19
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will hold a second reading Monday on Ordinance No. 26‑20, which updates the city’s fire code from the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) to the 2024 edition.
City staff says the update is needed to address modern fire risks, improve firefighter safety, and maintain compliance with insurance standards.
According to the agenda item, the 2024 IFC includes improvements related to:
· Home battery systems and energy storage
· Electric vehicles and charging equipment
· Solar installations
· Modern building materials
· Radio coverage and access routes for firefighters
Minimal local modifications were required, though several sections of the IFC were reorganized within Title 10 to consolidate all fire‑code information.
Key Local Amendments
Among the changes:
· Adoption of IFC Appendices A–O
· Removal of IFC penalties section (local penalties already exist)
· Removal of IFC open‑burning rules (covered by City Ordinance 13.0316)
· Clarifications for sprinkler access, temperature sensors, and alarm audibility
· Updates to address identification, fire command centers, and riser room placement
Oversight
The update is overseen by Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten, Fire Marshal Adam Bloom, and Building Official Reid Peterson.
A vote is expected Monday. If approved, the 2024 IFC becomes the city’s official fire code.
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