Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/25/2004

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Councihnember Elvig questioned if quad-condominium type of housing would be required to be sprinklered, and inquired about a home with a basement and two floors. Fire Code Inspector Streich replied attached units would need to be sprinklered. He explained a home would not need to be sprinklered unless all three stories equal 8,500 square feet, and it only focuses on new construction. Councilmember Elvig inquired if this would affect a situation where a home is being remodeled. Fire Code Inspector Streich replied it would not affect a single family home being remodeled. He reviewed the availability of sprinkler contractors. Councihnember Elvig stated it is his understanding a lot of local plumbers are very reluctant to do any of this due to liability concerns, which leaves people dependent on the list of the 57 contractors. Fire Code Inspector Streich replied the system can be installed by a sprinkler designer as long as the design plan is followed. Councihnember Elvig expressed concern that the homeowner would almost be required to do this work if they could not get a contractor to do it on a timely basis. Councilmember Cook commented this would not be a situation with a homeowner having to get someone to do this; the system would be put in when the condos and townhomes are built. Fire Code Inspector Streich reviewed the following issues: · Maintenance of systems by homeowners or associations · Details of monitoring system · Average cost of installation Counci hnembei' Elvig stated the costs he heard were slightly higher than those reviewed by Fire Code Inspector Streich. His concern is that they are putting in a lot of infrastructure for a townhouse complex in Town Center, and it makes him nervous to add $35,000 an acre in costs to already expensive land. He questioned what that would do to potential growth. He stated safety is first, but this is a big cost for people. He asked if anyone has contacted D.R. Herren. Firc Code Inspector Streich replied D.R. Horton contacted staff to find out the requirements, because they were planning on putting sprinklers in. Councihncmber Cook commented two percent of the cost of the property is not too large of a cost. If they were to have a fire on Armstrong Boulevard and CR 116 with the wind blowing in the right direction, the fire could go from housetop to housetop from Armstrong Boulevard to Ramsey Boulevard. He stated a $200,000 unit would only cost approximately $4,000 to put the system in. City Council Work Session/May 25, 2004 Page 2 of 6