The City of Covington will present some amendments to its fire code ordinance at Monday’s city council meeting after reaching a consensus on it in a work session Tuesday.

Covington Fire Department Chief John McNeil presented three changes to the ordinance, which consists of consolidation and amendments to the code on existing buildings. The city would not only consolidate its codes now to comply with state standards, but also make amendments available for buildings, such as historic structures, that may not currently comply with code.

“It’s for alternative where compliance to fire code is not practical for one reason or another,” McNeil said. “It offers an alternative to businesses or building owners in terms of looking at our options.

“It’s not a waiver of the fire code but a compliance alternative.”

In order to make an appropriate amendment to the code, the business owner or developer would need to apply in writing, and McNeil and Fire Marshall Tony Smith would approve or not approve of the changes to the code.

If the ruling is in favor of code alternatives, it will become the new standard for that building, as long as it remains the same business classification.

“If we’re dealing with a business or retail officer, mercantile, and we make one of those adjustments, now we have a new standard,” Smith said. “As long as that building maintains its occupancy class of business or mercantile, that’s the new standard. If someone wants to put in a church or assembly, there needs to be a new standard.

Maple removal Friday

The city will begin action on its improvement plan to the Square Friday when it removes some Maple trees from the park.
The tree removal is in preparation for the renovations, which were approved in April. Included in the renovations are a paved area around the war veterans monument, new landscaping, added benches and the replacement of trees.
The renovations are scheduled to begin Aug. 11. City Manager Leigh Anne Knight said the hope is to have the Square renovations completed by September’s Concert on the Square.

Back to School event

The council also came to a consensus allowing for any overflow into the Eternal Flame Park during an event at Connexion Church Saturday.

The church, located at 2160 Church Street, is hosting a back to school event from noon to 3 p.m., featuring supplies, food, music and more.