Subject: Inquiry – Adoption of 2021 IFC and Appendix M (City of Mt. Pleasant, MI)
Dear IAFC Team,
The City of Mt. Pleasant Fire Department has recommended adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) in its entirety, including Appendix M – High-Rise Retrofit. As part of our review process, the City Commission has asked that we gather additional information regarding how other jurisdictions have approached the adoption of Appendix M, particularly where exceptions or alternative compliance methods-such as life safety evaluations-have been considered or accepted.
We are seeking insight from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and member departments on the following:
- How other cities or jurisdictions have progressed through adoption and implementation of the 2021 IFC and Appendix M.
- Challenges encountered during the adoption process or in securing stakeholder support.
- How alternative compliance options, such as performance-based life safety evaluations, were used in place of full sprinkler retrofits.
- Any known or recommended funding opportunities or financial assistance programs used to support high-rise retrofit projects (e.g., grants, state or federal funding, or public-private partnerships).
Thank you for your time and for the leadership the IAFC provides to our profession. Any available case studies, examples, or contacts from jurisdictions that have successfully adopted the 2021 IFC would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Doug Lobsinger
Fire Chief
City of Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
📞 (989) 779-5152
✉️ dlobsinger@mt-pleasant.org
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Doug Lobsinger
Fire Chief
Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
Mount Pleasant MI
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