Fayette Approves Building Code Amendment for Fire Safety

City updates regulations to better accommodate older and historic structures.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Fayette Board of Aldermen passed an amendment to the city's building code regarding alternative fire protection measures during its meeting on February 24th. The amendment aims to provide more flexibility for fire safety regulations in older and historic buildings, which the city's current 2015 International Fire Code does not adequately address.

Why it matters

Fayette, like many small towns, has a number of older and historic buildings that require specialized fire safety considerations. This amendment gives the city more tools to ensure public safety while also preserving the character of its aging structures.

The details

The amendment was proposed by City Administrator Deanna Cooper, who says the current fire code has vague wording when it comes to fire protection and suppression for older buildings. The new amendment takes the age of a structure into account when determining appropriate fire safety measures.

  • The Fayette Board of Aldermen passed the amendment during its meeting on February 24, 2026.

The players

Deanna Cooper

Fayette City Administrator who proposed the building code amendment.

Fayette Board of Aldermen

The governing body of Fayette that passed the amendment to the city's building code.

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What they’re saying

“The amendment takes the building's age into consideration moving forward.”

— Deanna Cooper, City Administrator (kmmo.com)

What’s next

The amendment will now go into effect, allowing the city to apply more flexible fire safety regulations to older and historic buildings.

The takeaway

By updating its building code, Fayette is taking proactive steps to balance public safety with the preservation of the city's architectural heritage, setting an example for other small towns facing similar challenges.