The Summit Daily News recently covered the County’s decision to move forward with updated fire code requirements, including expanded residential sprinkler triggers, in the article “Commissioners approve sprinkler changes in fire code despite builder association opposition.” While we were disappointed to see the County move forward without adjusting the residential sprinkler threshold, we respect the process. More importantly, we want to share where we are, what we’ve been working on, and what comes next. The updated fire code lowers the threshold for when residential sprinkler systems are required, expanding that requirement into a much larger portion of the housing stock. This is not a small shift. It impacts existing homes, remodels and additions, future construction decisions, and the ability for homeowners to reinvest in their properties. Over the past several months, SCBA has been actively engaged across multiple jurisdictions. That work has included bringing forward data on how square footage thresholds affect real homes, not just new builds but existing housing, working with builders, trades, and design professionals to understand real-world challenges, participating in meetings and conversations with staff and elected officials, and advocating for clear and workable rules around remodels, additions, and replacements. The goal has been simple: to bring real-world perspective into a technical policy discussion. This has never been about opposing life safety. Builders care deeply about safety, and it is built into the work every day. The focus has been on balance—safety grounded in real risk, clear and enforceable code, and policies that can actually be built in the real world. We have also been consistent in advocating for a reasonable sprinkler threshold, clear and workable triggers for remodels and additions, and avoiding the stacking of multiple new code requirements that together impact housing affordability. That layering matters. When fire code changes stack on top of new energy requirements and the State Wildfire Resiliency Code, the combined impact becomes significant, not just for builders but for homeowners and the broader community. A large portion of Summit County’s housing falls within the range now affected by these changes. These are not edge cases. These are homes people live in, maintain, and invest in. At the same time, we continue to hear strong and consistent feedback from both local residents and second homeowners: people want a real community here. Codes play a direct role in shaping that outcome. They influence who can afford to build, who can afford to remodel, and who can stay in their home long-term. Those are not abstract impacts. They are real community outcomes. While the County has taken action, this conversation is not over. Other jurisdictions across Summit County are still evaluating these same issues, and we are encouraged to see more detailed review of code language, consideration of local housing impacts, and recognition of the value of input from the building community. SCBA will continue to stay engaged in these discussions in a constructive and collaborative way. Good code policy lives in balance—between safety and practicality, between intent and implementation, and between protecting people and preserving the ability to live here. That is the space we will continue to work in.