New law preempts fire district's authority related to new residential construction

Senate Bill 769 (2012) establishes §321.228 RSMo., which generally deprives fire protection districts of existing authority to adopt and enforce fire codes for new residential construction (defined as “new” construction relating to single-family or two-family dwellings or development sites). Local officials should ensure that fire codes have been adopted by the City and are subject to enforcement and inspection by City officials (or under agreement with the fire districts based on City adopted codes).