Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda and Packet 2013 09 19

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Building Code Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes July 18, 2013 Page 4 of 7 homeowner to install sprinklers by pointing out the overall cost and insurance savings. He believes the impact is felt at a greater scale in multi -family homes since there is more than one family. He also states the man power required putting out a fire is greater with multi -family homes when it is not sprinkled and feels this is the biggest push. With sprinkled homes, the Fire District will have a head start in fighting the fires especially in areas with smaller roads. Geise asked if the sprinkler might change the size of the tap thus having an effect on the fees. Mestes says there is no fee for the sprinkler tap if it is separate. Berry brings up with a residential water fee, you are charged with the diameter of the pipe. Staff agrees and says a lot of times the size of the tap is right at the line between the changes in size. Van Pelt adds the tap fees and how they are assessed should not be lost in the discussion process. Berry asked if there is a rule of thumb toward the cost per sprinkler head. Geise has worked on a few custom homes with the square footage of 8,000+ and believes the cost has been between $10,000 - $15,000 for each sprinkler system. Berry agrees he had heard around $15,000. Geise states that for a smaller home around 5,000 square feet, it might be closer to $8,000 - $10,000. Parker adds the Fire District was successful in adding tougher commercial sprinkler code in 2009 to include everything over 5,000 square feet with and A, E and B occupancy along with certain building types as required to be sprinkled. Brauneis states the discussion about costs and developer sensitivity are key points in the discussion and possible adoption of the green code. From a Planning Commission perspective, through the comp plan process, there is a shift from a green -fill town to a mentality to when, where, why, how much needs to change and the City will be more in -fill. From an outsiders view, Brauneis does see the cost as the biggest issue with the sprinkler code and the impact it will have on older homes. Staff feels the homeowners will focus on wanting the option not the requirement. Parker adds Staff needs to remember, in the research which has been done by Pate, most of the Fire Departments are not volunteer and they have more staff on hand than a volunteer Department.