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STRATEGIC OUTCOMES |
ACTION |
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Department: |
☒ Safe & Prosperous |
☐ Motion |
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Fire |
☐ Active & Appealing |
☐ Resolution |
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☐ Respected & Responsible |
☒ Ordinance - Introduction |
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Division: |
☐ Connected & Engaged |
☐ Ordinance - Adoption |
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Community Risk Reduction |
☐ Unique & Creative |
☐ Public Hearing |
TITLE:
title
Amend Yuma City Code: 2024 International Fire Code Adoption with Local Amendments
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SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:
Summary Recommendation
Amend Yuma City Code Chapter 131, Sections 131-15 through 131-19 and adopt by reference the 2024 International Fire Code, commonly known as 2024 IFC, including Appendices B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I, with local amendments. (Fire) (Kayla Warren)
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STRATEGIC OUTCOME:
A current, well integrated fire code for the jurisdiction supports the City Council’s strategic outcome of Safe and Prosperous.
REPORT:
The 2018 International Fire Code is the City of Yuma’s current Fire Code, adopted on December 19, 2018, with local amendments. Updated editions of the code are published every three years and the City of Yuma follows a six-year cycle for updating codes.
As part of the update cycle, City Council recently introduced ordinances adopting updates to the 2024 International Building Code (2024 IBC), the 2024 International Residential Code (2024 IRC, the 2024 International Existing Building Code (2024 IEBC) and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (2024 IPMC), each with local amendments recommended by the Building Advisory Board or the Residential Advisory Board.
To stay current with the code cycle and establish sound criteria for regulating existing buildings and structures, it is necessary to update and amend the City’s Fire Code, adopting by reference the 2024 International Fire Code, including Appendices B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I with Amendments recommended by the Building Advisory Board dated July 9, 2025.
Amendments include the following:
Fees
A bonfire fee was added back to the fee schedule and a new fee was added for carbon dioxide detection and alarm system installations/alterations.
Fire Flow Requirements and Hydrant Spacing
Requirements extended to include stand-alone commercial parking lots where transfer and/or storage of hazardous materials inside of vehicles/trailers is present as a new use (to be spaced no more than 1,000 feet apart to ensure coverage of transportation-related hazards).
Emergency Communication System Exemption
Amended to be less restrictive than the 2024 IFC: Exempts single-story buildings under 50,000 square feet with no underground areas from requiring emergency responder communication enhancements.
Fire Sprinklers
Sprinkler exceptions amended to address ambulatory care, woodworking, manufacture or storage of lithium-ion lithium metal batteries or energy storage systems, manufacture or storage of distilled spirits, storage or manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses, storage of commercial motor vehicles, storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal powered vehicles, bulk storage of tires, or storage or use of hazardous materials (in line with the 2021 and 2024 editions of the IFC).
Fire Alarm Requirements for Existing Residential Buildings
Amended to be less restrictive than the 2024 IFC:
Group R-1 (Hotels, Motels, etc.) – Section 1103.7.5:
Requires installation of fire and smoke alarms whenever buildings experience Level 1 or greater alterations.
Group R-2 (Apartments, Dormitories, etc.) – Section 1103.7.6:
Requires a manual fire alarm and occupant notification system in buildings over 3 stories or with more than 16 units, whenever buildings experience Level 1 or greater alterations.
Fireworks
Section amended to reference State law and current City of Yuma Code.
Overall Major Technical and Safety Updates:
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: A new Section 320 addresses the storage and handling of lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, expanding sprinkler requirements to various occupancies involved in their use, manufacturing, or storage.
Energy Storage Systems (ESS): The code now provides updated guidance on the installation, operation, and decommissioning of ESS.
Powered Micromobility Devices: A new Section 322 introduces requirements for the safe charging and storage of devices like e-bikes and scooters, focusing on product listings, separation distances, and detection systems.
Carbon Monoxide Detection: CO alarms or detection systems are now mandated for all occupancy types, extending beyond the previous focus on residential and educational facilities.
A2L Refrigerants: The code acknowledges the use of mildly flammable A2L refrigerants, incorporating safety measures based on the Global Harmonized Standards (GHS).
Code Organization and Formatting
Enhanced Readability: The code has transitioned to a single-column format with modernized fonts, improving readability.
Change Tracking: QR codes have replaced traditional margin markings, allowing users to access detailed information about code changes directly.
FISCAL REQUIREMENTS:
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CITY FUNDS: |
$ 0.00
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BUDGETED: |
$ 0.00
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STATE FUNDS: |
$ 0.00
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AVAILABLE TO TRANSFER: |
$ 0.00
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FEDERAL FUNDS: |
$ 0.00
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IN CONTINGENCY: |
$ 0.00
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OTHER SOURCES: |
$ 0.00
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FUNDING: ACCOUNT/FUND #/CIP
-
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TOTAL |
$ 0.00
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FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
NONE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CITY COUNCIL ACTION FORM THAT ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK:
NONE
IF CITY COUNCIL ACTION INCLUDES A CONTRACT, LEASE OR AGREEMENT, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTING THE DOCUMENT FOR SIGNATURE AFTER CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL?
☐ Department
☒ City Clerk’s Office
☐ Document to be recorded
☐ Document to be codified
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Acting City Administrator: |
Date: |
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John D. Simonton |
09/05/2025 |
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Reviewed by City Attorney: |
Date: |
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Richard W. Files |
09/04/2025 |