Frankfort Fire District Adopts Updated Fire Codes to Address Solar Power, New Technologies

Frankfort Fire Protection District Meeting | September 2025

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District has unanimously adopted a new fire prevention ordinance to modernize safety standards and address emerging technologies like solar farms and battery storage systems. The updates were developed to align with current codes and provide clear regulations for residential and commercial construction.

Frankfort Fire Protection District Key Points:

• The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Ordinance #264, updating the district’s fire prevention codes.

• The new codes address safety regulations for solar farms and battery storage, technologies that were part of a recent Will County project.

• LT/PM Zach Pavesich explained the ordinance updates are necessary to keep the district’s codes current.

• The board discussed the impact of state laws and regulations on local enforcement of solar and battery storage rules.

The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, unanimously approved a comprehensive update to its fire prevention codes, a move designed to modernize safety standards and address new technologies like solar energy systems.

The board voted 4-0 to adopt Ordinance #264, which updates the codes governing construction, fire prevention, and life safety within the district. The passage followed a presentation and discussion on the need to keep regulations current with evolving building practices and energy technologies. Trustee Robert Boll was absent.

LT/PM Zach Pavesich explained the necessity of the fire code updates to the board. Interim Fire Chief Paul Kinsella also provided context, briefly explaining the relevance of the Will County Solar project, a portion of which falls within Frankfort’s jurisdiction. This prompted a broader discussion among the board members regarding the local regulation of solar farms, battery storage systems, and overarching state laws that may affect the district’s authority.

The adopted ordinance aims to provide clear, enforceable guidelines for developers, contractors, and residents, ensuring that new construction and technological installations meet the latest safety standards recognized by the fire service.

The motion to adopt Ordinance #264 was made by Trustee James McGeever, Jr., and seconded by Trustee Patricia Field. President Nicholas Spano called for a roll call vote, with all present trustees—Field, Justin Lohrens, McGeever, and Spano—voting in favor.

In other business, the board also approved a new “Community Engagement Charge Statement,” a formal initiative to increase public involvement. The statement calls for the creation of a “Facilitation Board” that will include community members and representatives from the firefighters’ union to provide input on district matters. Trustee Spano, who presented the item, said the goal is to enhance transparency and collaboration.