To ensure the safety of residents and visitors of Marquette, staff is recommending the City Commission adopt the most current versions of the NFPA Life Safety Code and the NFPA Fire Code.

These codes are nationally recognized standards promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, an international nonprofit, established in 1896 and devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

The NFPA 1 Fire Code is intended to advance fire and life safety for public and first responders, as well as property protection, by providing a comprehensive, integrated approach to fire code regulation and hazard management.

Similarly, the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code is the most widely used source for strategies to protect people based on building construction, protection, and occupancy features that minimize the effects of fire and related hazards. Unique in the field, it is the only document that covers life safety in both new and existing structures.

Proposed ordinance #703 would adopt the most current version of these two codes as the standards for the City of Marquette, and will ensure that both commercial properties and rental units will be in compliance with industry best practices into the future.

Additionally, proposed ordinances #704 and #705 would provide for a local and consistent appeals process for both commercial and residential rental properties.

A public hearing was held for these ordinances at the March 28 City Commission meeting. The decision was tabled for a later date during discussion of the item.