Ione Fire Chief Ken Mackey talks fire codes with the city council.

Photo by: Kelly Enos

The Ione City Council on Tuesday offered a preview of potential modifications to a handful municipal codes and ordinances, including changes to local fire and building codes.

Full readings of the codes and ordinances were required to give the public the ability to comment, giving City Manager Kim Kerr and council members the chance to rehone their public speaking skills.

Changes to the fire code became effective Jan. 1 and were requested by Ione Fire Chief Ken Mackey to maintain current service levels and stay in line with other California cities adopting similar state regulations.

"We are staying within the same standard, only tightening the codes to bring them closer to what other communities are doing," Kerr said.

Due to Ione being located in a high-risk fire zone with dry summers and little precipitation, standards for new structures will require an automatic sprinkler system in occupancies of 5,000 square feet or more.

"Buildings that are going up in California are increasing in size," Mackey said. "It used to be a residential home was around 1,500 square feet. Now we are seeing them upwards at 3,000 (square feet)."

The ordinance proposing changes to city building codes was also read, which Kerr asked to include an amendment for roof coverings. Saying the amendment would tie into the city's modified fire codes, the amended ordinance changed the standard of roof coverings the city can continue to maintain, improving the insurance rating for the city's available water supply that is used for fire suppression. In addition, penalty increases will be approved for those who fail to conform with the new municipal codes. Both ordinances were read and approved by the council to be agendized for public hearings during the Feb. 5 meeting.

The second reading of the proposed Ryland Homes ordinance was adopted with modifications that were made during the first reading in December. The ordinance grants development rights for 201 single-family residential dwellings on approximately 63 acres located within city limits to Ryland Homes.

The Ione Planning Commission recommended approval to the city council, which reviewed a development agreement that included a correction to the general plan fees and a notice of exemption.

"This will authorize Ryland to begin the process and generate the 201 homes," Kerr said, who added jokingly, "I would like to see them start building soon so we have that 15 percent for the city's coffers."