Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda and Packet 2013 11 21

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Building Code Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes September 19, 2013 Page 4 of 8 Mestas has spoken to the fire sprinkler installers for the Copper Hill Subdivision and their fees are running $2.25/sqft if the water is brought in and $2.50/sqft for a tank. These fees include the excavating for lines and the tank and the engineering. Staff has spoken with Tom Ramsey, Westmark Design and Construction, and the systems he had installed ran between $2.00 - $2.50/sqft. Each installer sets their own fees and vary from installer to installer. Johnson stated this sprinkler topic will become irrelevant in a few years and it is inevitable there will be a sprinkler code. Just like the IgCC and green building code, it is the way codes are leaning and it is a matter of time for when and how the codes will be adopted. Johnson and Geise have both had issues in the past with systems failing during the first test after install. Repairs to the failure can become costly. Johnson added the most common failure he has seen has been with the head. He has done three houses with sprinklers and all have failed when the water has been turned on and Geise has seen three out of 15 systems fail. Mestas stated the Fire Department tests at the time of rough plumbing with all heads on, this catches more of the potential failures prior to the completion of a project. Johnson says he realizes there is the potential for failing with any type of job and is in favor of sprinkler systems. He feels the life safety is greater than the convenience of not installing the system. Geise is for the systems, but feels there should be more information in place for everyone prior to the code going into effect including the cost of install and the why the system should be installed. Johnson added education, like with anything new, is key throughout the process. Geise added he doesn't want to just adopt the sprinkler code and have it fail without the education behind it. Geise has a contact with Viega, a fire sprinkler system company, and they have offered to come in to talk to the Board about any questions they may have about the systems and the fire sprinkler supplies. Geise prefered to see more discussion happen toward the cost effectiveness of adding sprinkler systems. Johnson asked Geise if the cost of the system is his main standing point against the new code. Geise replied he is also concerned with what requirements will be in place for those who design and install these systems.