2025 Ohio Fire Code
The 2025 Ohio Fire Code (OFC) is now officially available and can be accessed through the International Code Council’s digital platform.
The updated code incorporates amendments adopted by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal, and reflects changes reviewed through the state’s rulemaking process. The 2025 edition includes revisions affecting fire protection systems, hazardous materials, building operations, emergency planning, and other enforcement provisions.
For additional information on the adoption timeline, public hearings, JCARR review, and the amendment process, the State Fire Marshal provides a detailed overview on its Ohio Fire Code update page.
State Fire Marshal’s OFC Update Information: https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/state-fire-marshal/code-enforcement/ohio-fire-code/2025-proposed-ohio-fire-code-update
OBOA Note: Members should be aware that there are known conflicts between the Ohio Building Code and the Ohio Fire Code. Members who are authorized to enforce only the Ohio Building Code should remain mindful of the conflict language in Section 102.3 of the Ohio Building Code. OBOA is not offering an interpretation of its application.
"As provided in division (B) of section 3781.11 of the Revised Code, the rules of the Board of Building Standards supersede and govern any order, standard, or rule of the Division of the Fire Marshal or the Division of Industrial Compliance in the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Health and of counties and townships, in all cases where such orders, standards or rules are in conflict with the rules of the Board of Building Standards, except that rules adopted and orders issued by the fire marshal pursuant to Chapter 3743 of the Revised Code prevail in the event of a conflict.
There may be other requirements owners may be required to meet as set forth by other licensing agencies, such as the Ohio State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, federal agencies, or other licensing authorities. Owners and designers should investigate these additional licensing agency requirements to ensure they are incorporated into the building design before submitting to the certified building department for plan approval.
The rules of the Board of Building Standards adopted pursuant to section 3781.10 of the Revised Code govern any rule or standard adopted by the board pursuant to sections 4104.02 and 4105.011 of the Revised Code."