Enforcement of 2021 International Fire Code to Begin April 27, 2025
On April 27, 2025, the Ann Arbor Fire Department will begin enforcing safety requirements outlined in the 2021 International Fire Code. This transition, approved April 7 by City Council, will enhance fire protection operations, compliance with industry advancements and public safety, ensuring regulations remain current and effective.
For developers, landlords and property and business owners, this means changes such as increased requirements for carbon monoxide detection, stricter standards for fire safety in high-rise buildings and mixed-use structures; fire protection and system technology requirements that address energy storage systems and associated fire risks from lithium-ion batteries; new storage and handling guidelines for certain flammables; exit signage and lighting requirements in larger commercial and assembly occupancies and improved door-locking and security measures for schools and businesses to balance fire safety with security concerns; new regulations for alternative energy and sustainable building practices to mitigate fire hazards; and updates to inspection, testing and maintenance requirements for fire protection systems.
Ann Arbor Fire Prevention Code regulates conditions hazardous to life and property from the standpoint of fire and explosion and also defines the Ann Arbor Fire Marshal's scope of authority.
The AAFD is committed to protecting the public and encourages all developers, landlords, property and business owners, tenants and residents to familiarize themselves with the new fire code requirements. “The AAFD will be enforcing these improved code standards and educating community members,” said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Mike Kennedy. “As a college town with many residents living in close or shared quarters, this only underscores the importance of abiding by these safety requirements. Our goal is to achieve compliance and, ultimately, a collective interest in and responsibility for safety.”
The updated fire code aligns with 2021 Michigan Building Code requirements, which the city building department will begin to enforce May 1.
Learn more about the AAFD fire prevention bureau and for additional information, see the city code, Chapter 111, fire prevention.
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Media Contact:
Mike Kennedy, Ann Arbor Fire Chief, mkennedy@a2gov.org