Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2025 10 09

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City Council Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes September 25, 2025 Page2of6 another opportunity for businesses or other members of the community to provide feedback on the proposed code adoption package. Councilmember Fahey asked if any other communities have joined the cohort since the first presentation. Director Zuccaro responded that one community has adopted the code, but he referenced a table of communities in the cohort and noted that about hald of them have indicated that they are going to consider it. Councilmember Fahey asked for clarification whether Louisville could still join at some point if they decide to do so. Director Zuccaro confirmed that is correct. Councilmember Fahey also asked if there are additional insurance costs associated with the installation and possession of sprinklers for homes. Director Zuccaro confirmed that having the sprinklers installed would increase the value of homes, which would result in pros and cons relating to the value of the home and the cost of insurance. Councilmember Kern reiterated the Fire Chief's comment from the Council discussion that the installation of sprinklers would help with a small house fire but would not have much of an impact on an event similar to the Marshall Fire. She also asked if there is a difference in efficacy of sprinklers in single family housing vs multi -family housing. Director Zuccaro confirmed that sprinklers have existed in multi -family housing for some time and clarified that the draft code is for single-family residential only. Councilmember Kern asked if staff has talked to developers or general contractors building houses in the area to get a sense for the actual cost of installing sprinklers in new homes. Director Zuccaro responded that staff will attempt to get more data before first reading. Mayor Leh asked for clarification that sprinklers are required in commercial buildings. Director Zuccaro confirmed that they are required. Public comment from Iona Kearney: Ms. Kearney, President of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, commented that the Chamber of Commerce is in support of the BCBOA base code rather than the cohort code. She added that the Chamber asks that affordable housing be kept in mind when considering residential fire sprinklers. Public comment from Mike Kranzdorf: Mr. Kranzdorf, downtown property owner, agreed that he would prefer the BCBOA minimum code to the cohort code, highlighting its simplicity. Public comment from Mike Deborski: Mr. Deborski commented that while the cohort code considers other regional communities, many businesses compete with other businesses in different parts of the country. He added that adding additional amendments to the code can often hurt a business's margins. He noted that the City should want businesses to be able to afford to locate in Louisville. He added that the