Fire, Building, and Energy Code Discussions
The purpose of this Council work session was for Summit Fire and EMS, a separate district not under the jurisdiction of the Town of Frisco, to provide information to the Council regarding their proposed 2024 International Fire Code Amendments. Summit Fire and EMS provided a draft resolution that outlines their proposed amendments, which Summit Fire & EMS has not yet adopted. Staff requested that Town Council use this work session as an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed amendments and provide feedback to the Summit Fire and EMS on the information presented at the work session.
Here are some of the amendments requested by Summit Fire:
- Require sprinkler systems for single family homes 4,500 square feet or larger; multi-family homes (condominium complexes) already require sprinklers. Also, duplexes must be over 4,500 square feet each to require sprinklers.
- Requirements for professional chimney cleaning.
- Requirements for sprinkler system inspections.
- Occupancy load changes
- Approved exterior building materials
Background
While many municipalities choose to modify the International Fire Code (IFC) to fit local needs, a town is not legally required to adopt local amendments when implementing the code. The IFC is designed to be adopted “as is” as a complete, legally binding set of minimum standards for fire safety, allowing a jurisdiction to adopt a specific edition, such as the 2024 version, without making any changes. While amendments are commonly used to add more stringent requirements based on local factors, a municipality has the authority to adopt the base model code without any deletions, modifications, or additions.
In addition to the International Fire Code, Colorado’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code, is a mandatory, minimum state standard that mandates structural hardening and defensible space requirements. The Town must adopt and enforce local building and fire codes that meet or exceed the State’s new minimum standards for wildfire safety. Community Development staff have been familiarizing themselves with the WUI requirements and will be bringing landscaping regulation modifications forward for discussion and code adoption in Chapter 180 to comply with WUI requirements.
Public comment was been received from Summit County Builders Association (SCBA) requesting the Council exercise its discretion thoughtfully when adopting the local fire code. The Town of Silverthorne also provided information regarding modifications they requested from Summit Fire and EMS.
Council Discussion and Direction
Council had questions about how to implement Colorado’s Wildland-Urban Interface code and how to implement this by the State’s deadline in June 2026. This will include the Town needing to work through changing landscaping requirements and building material requirements.
Council also had a lot of questions and concerns about the requirement for sprinklers in single family homes over 4,500 square feet, requirements for inspecting fire protection systems yearly, exterior building material requirements, and requirements for having chimneys professionally cleaned yearly. There were also concerns about enforcement and the unfunded burden on local government.
Council said that they would like to revisit the fire code amendments with some suggested changes to what Summit Fire has presented. The majority of Council agreed that sprinklers should be required for single family homes over 4,500 square feet, but this was revisited in the later discussion about the series of updated building codes proposed for a first reading scheduled for the March 24, 2026 Council meeting.
This discussion during the 2024 International Code Council Code Amendments Public Hearing was during the regular part of the February 10 Council meeting and was intended to allow the public the opportunity to provide feedback on the series of updated building codes proposed to be adopted in late March. Council had significant discussion about finding harmony between efficiency, safety, and the realities of building cost in any code amendments to be considered in March. Council indicated that they would like a future work session on March 10, 2026 to consider more information about the impacts of any potential changes to residential and commercial building, energy, and fire code amendments before approving any code changes in late March.
Frisco Bay Marina Low Water Planning
This work session provided Council with an update about what the Frisco Bay Marina (FBM) operations are anticipated to look like during the 2026 summer season. Based on extreme drought conditions, record-low snowpack, and the most recent guidance from Denver Water, staff provided an update to Council outlining that the slips and the boat ramp will not be available for use during the 2026 boating season. During the work session, staff presented an overview of Marina operations and a high-level review of the 2026 season.
Current Conditions
As of late January 2026, Summit County and much of Colorado are experiencing record-low snowpack, with levels near the 0–5th percentile, meaning that 95–100% of winters on record have produced more snow. Entering 2026, the region recorded its lowest snowpack since 1981, with statewide snow-water equivalent (SWE) measuring approximately 58–62% of the median. These conditions place the area in a drought status, compounded by the continued low snowpack and the second consecutive year in which Denver Water will draw additional water due to construction at Gross Reservoir. This diversion accounts for an additional 3% reduction in water levels from Dillon Reservoir with the reservoir currently at 78% of capacity.
The FBM requires an elevation of approximately 9,006’ to operate at the docks, which provides roughly five feet or more of usable water depth. The “Big Dig” in 2019 greatly improved the resiliency of the Frisco Bay Marina by deepening the bay around the Marina, but the resources needed to dig deep enough for a historic drought year like this would be economically unattainable. Under the current dry-year model, water levels would not reach sufficient elevations to support dock operations, and portions of the bay bottom could remain exposed throughout the summer season. The model also indicates that the beach area would not have usable water access, and the paddle dock will need to be positioned at the end of the roadway for the season.
Plans for this Summer
Slips
The biggest impact will be on slip customers. Without the water needed to fill the basin, the slips will not be available. The Frisco Bay Marina currently has 160 slips, and an associated budgeted revenue of $315,000. In previous years during low water conditions, the docks were moved out to what has been called “Dock Island.” This process was labor intensive and resulted in significant wear and tear on the docks. As a result of the “Big Dig” and the planning efforts associated with this project, it was recommended by marina professionals contracted by the Town that this practice not continue. As such, the docks will remain in their current location and will be grounded throughout the season, unless water conditions change. These 160 slip customers will have the option to pay to store their boat/trailer on site (in a limited capacity) or find offsite storage for the summer season.
Moorings
The Frisco Bay Marina currently has 50 moorings, and the mooring operation will remain unchanged this summer season. Mooring customers who had a mooring at the Marina in 2025 are eligible to renew their lease and have their boat on a mooring this summer season as well. Staff anticipate being able to add approximately 10 moorings to the mooring field this season and will assign these moorings based on a lottery process.
Dry storage
The Marina has typically had 20 dry storage spots available in the service yard. Dry storage is simply defined as a space to store your boat and trailer. Dry storage will still be available, and the number of spaces available will increase from 20 to 145. This is a good option for our slip customers who will not be able to be on the water, but who would like to store their boat with us and have access to their boat to launch from different marinas.
Trailer storage
The Marina has 100 trailer spots available for storage. Most of this storage is in the B2 lot. In 2025, 94 of these spots were occupied, with most of them being occupied by slip customers. The number of these trailer storage spots will be reduced this summer season to accommodate the need for additional dry storage.
Paddle sport rentals
Paddle rentals will move from their current location near Ten Mile Creek entrance to the end of the old roadway. Staff anticipate being able to offer the full paddle operation all season, and therefore, do not anticipate a significant loss of revenue.
Power boat rentals
Power rentals will be significantly more challenging. These rentals are also on the docks where the slip customers are typically housed. The operation will move out to dock island, and shuttles will be needed to move guests from the end of the old roadway to dock island. Staff are currently working on a change to the way the rentals are booked to make the operation efficient, and to not compromise the guest experience.
Staffing levels
Marina staff are currently running staffing models and scenarios for all the different aspects of the business. Seasonal staffing levels will be reduced, as dock hands or aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspections will not be needed this summer without the docks and without use of the boat ramp. At this time, staff are projecting a 17% reduction in seasonal staffing wages.
Council Discussion and Direction
Council voiced their support for infusing $189,476 from the general fund to operate the Marina for the 2026 summer season. Council also supported the capital purchase of new paddle dock to support safe paddle operations, as the existing dock is over 20 years old and has exceeded its expected replacement lifespan. Council also supported the capital purchase of five (5) new Sylvan pontoon boats with five (5) Yamaha motors for the rental fleet. Some of the marina’s oldest boats are now six to eight years old and have exceeded their expected rental lifespan. Marina staff negotiated this purchase in November, as they understood that there was about to be a significant price increase, possibly up to 50% more due to the rising price of aluminum. These purchases were on Council’s February 10, 2026 consent agenda.
A future discussion with Council is also scheduled regarding the long-term viability of the Marina fund as an enterprise fund and whether it should stay as an enterprise fund or move into the general fund. Council voiced support for having this conversation, which is now scheduled for the February 24, 2026 Town Council meeting.
Water Fee Increase Ordinance
In May 2025, the Town of Frisco contracted with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to complete a comprehensive Water Rate and Connection Fee Study. The last full water study for the Town of Frisco was adopted in 2019 and established new rates and a tiered structure through October 2024, which increased water rates by 5% annually. Subsequently, there were three work sessions with Council where they gave feedback and guidance on the water study leading up to this presentation of an ordinance changing water fees.
Ordinance 26-05 establishes updated rates and charges effective April 1, 2026, including the following major components.
Quarterly Base Water Service Charge
The ordinance establishes a quarterly minimum delivery charge of $57.43 per capital Equivalent Residential Unit (EQR). This fixed base rate supports system readiness and service availability regardless of consumption.
Updated Tiered Usage Charges (Conservation Pricing)
Customers are assessed tiered volumetric usage charges designed to encourage conservation and ensure high-use customers pay their proportional share of demand costs. Tier 4 is adjusted to begin at 35,001 gallons per quarter, strengthening conservation pricing and aligning with Council direction.
- Tier 1 1–8,000 gallons $1.73
- Tier 2 8,001–16,000 gallons $3.46
- Tier 3 16,001–35,000 gallons $6.06
- Tier 4 >35,001 gallons $9.08
Irrigation Rate
Irrigation-only accounts will be billed at a uniform rate of $5.29 per 1,000 gallons.
Annual Rate Escalator
The ordinance provides that the base rate and tiered charges will increase annually by 8.5% through 2029, effective January 1 of each year.
Updated Plant Investment Fees (Tap Fees)
Beginning April 1, 2026, the Plant Investment Fee is updated so that 1 capital EQR = $10,475.
Beginning January 1, 2027, tap fees will adjust annually through 2029 based on an inflationary escalator tied to construction inputs- annual adjustment equal to the twelve-month percentage change in the Producer Price Index.
Council Decision
Council approved Ordinance 26-05 on first reading. Second reading will be during the February 24, 2026 Town Council meeting.
Budget Appropriations
The Town Council approves a budget each year. From time to time, it is necessary to make changes to the budget as circumstances necessitate. Per the Town’s Charter, these changes must be adopted by Council ordinance.
2025 Appropriations
The proposed 2025 budget amendments include both increases and reductions to the 2025 Budget to accurately reflect project timing and funding availability. Certain supplemental appropriations add authority to the 2025 budget for revenues and expenditures discussed with Council during the year, while other amendments reduce 2025 appropriations for projects that were not completed and are being rolled forward to the 2026 budget.
Reductions to the 2025 budget effectively offset the corresponding increases to the 2026 budget, ensuring that unfinished projects maintain budget authority without duplicating appropriations across fiscal years. Upon adoption, these amounts are transferred from the 2025 budget to the 2026 budget and do not represent new spending commitments.
Overall, these revenues and expenditures were anticipated and reflected in the 2026 adopted budget book. Sufficient revenues and available fund balances exist within each respective fund to support the appropriations, and the proposed amendments do not negatively impact projected ending fund balances beyond what was previously presented to Council. The additional appropriations requested total net impact to the 2025 budget is a reduction of $2,066,721: $1,572,113 decrease to revenue and a $3,638,834 decrease to expenditures.
Council approved on first reading Ordinance 26-06 2025 Budget Supplemental Appropriations. Second reading will be during the February 24, 2026 Town Council meeting.
2026 Appropriations
Overall, funds are available within each fund’s ending balance to absorb the additional appropriations. The amounts described in this memo were generally included in 2025 projected amounts. Re-allocating the expenses from the 2025 budget to the 2026 budget does not decrease the total projected ending fund balance for 2026 below the amounts published in the 2026 adopted budget book. The additional appropriations requested total net impact to the 2026 budget are $1,727,049: $6,041,154 increase to revenue and $7,768,203 increase to expenditures.
Council approved on first reading Ordinance 26-07 2026 Budget Supplemental Appropriations. Second reading will be during the February 24, 2026 Town Council meeting.
Lighting/DarkSky Ordinance
During the January 27, 2026, staff presented an ordinance for proposed modifications to Chapter 180 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Frisco regarding outdoor lighting, and staff reiterated that there would be 10 years to comply with the changes if adopted. Specifically, changes are in response to Town Council direction to pursue certification as an International DarkSky Community and community feedback for more responsible lighting practices.
Significant changes proposed to the existing lighting regulations:
- A maximum correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3000 Kelvin.
- Defined curfew hours for public lighting, seasonal lighting, festoon lighting, outdoor recreation lighting, and illuminated signage. All properties are to comply with curfew hours within one (1) year of adopting the ordinance.
- Limits on total illumination allowed on a property (measured in lumens).
- Clear requirements for motion-sensor security lighting.
- Limits on luminance levels for signage illumination.
- Compliance for all fixtures within 10 years of adopting the ordinance.
Other proposed code amendments include:
- Pole lights limited to 12-20 feet in height depending on residential use, parking areas adjacent to residential use, or non-residential use.
- Exemptions for historic fixtures that are consistent with the historic character of a structure in the Historic Overlay District.
- Adaptive controls (motion sensors, dimmers, timers, etc.) for all publicly owned lighting, including streetlights, public facilities, park lighting, and outdoor recreation/athletic field lighting.
- Exemptions for seasonal lighting (allowed for part of the year) and festoon lighting (allowed year-round for specific uses), with a curfew and other limits.
- Changes to the submittal process and requirements to comply with the proposed requirements.
Council Discussion and Decision
During both Council meetings, Council affirmed that they supported the regulations as written to require fully-shielded bulbs and to not make regulations stricter or to allow for exceptions. Subsequently, Council passed Ordinance 26-03 on second reading.
Frisco Town Council Meetings: Ways to Participate
Frisco Town Council meetings are available to view via Civic Plus Resident Portal, Zoom, and YouTube, and are also held in person to make Town Council meetings easier to access for everyone.
The public can provide comment during meetings via Zoom or in person (not on YouTube), and a public comment period will be available at 7:00pm; during the consideration of ordinances; and at the discretion of Town Council during work session items, which are discussions that don’t require a formal vote by Town Council and do not require public comment. Again, this hybrid approach is intended to make Town Council meetings more accessible.