Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda and Packet 2009 10 15

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Building Code Board of Appeals Minutes 09/17/09 Page 3 of 7 3) Water District legitimacy problems are huge due to so many water providers vs. residential areas. 4) New homes building materials are built to higher standards by virtue of Colorado smoke detectors laws and fire rated drywall. In addition to the above four main facts, she added that the nation is in an economic crisis. She believes that now is not a good time for increasing dollar requirements for home builders and home buyers because builders are simply trying to hang on in this economy. She continued that is a myth builders have large profit margins. It is estimated that $2.30 to $3.50 per square foot increases will result if the sprinkler code passes, which does not include pipe placements, tap fees, etc. The sprinkler code has a domino effect financially for costs to the builder and the buyer. Financial margins are already slim. Kim asked, if homeowners are not currently maintaining batteries for simple home smoke detectors, then how will they maintain a more sophisticated home sprinkler system? She stressed we need to consider what is the motive of the sprinkler code. She reminded the board that there is a huge public relations machine behind the push nationally. In review, Kim stated there are too many hurdles to overcome with the sprinkler code, and it may not survive to 2013. Most fires are not caused by structures. There is a downward trend in fire deaths and over 50% of fires from smoke detectors. B. Board Discussion Some light Discussion occurred with the Board on how the years may progress toward sprinkler code adoption. Kim Calomino said most building code officials are not in support of the sprinkler code. They are not presenting the code to their city councils. She re- stated that the HBA discourages adoption of unique codes. 3. Discussion of Broomfield 2009 Code Amendments Mike Jones referred the board to Broomfield’s code changes written by Tim Pate, Broomfield’s Building Official. He asked if anyone had any strong feeling or comments on Broomfield’s code changes. He needs to have all input by Tuesday, September 22. 4. Discussion of 2009 Code Adoption Ordinance Mike Jones asked if there was any more input on fire sprinkler adoption. Bob Van Pelt said he believes there is really no upside to adopting the fire sprinkler code as far as he can see. Gary Mancuso said we are in a good position to stay as we are now to not create more work just to have to re-visit changes again in 2012. He said it is otherwise irresponsible to adopt such a code at this time. Peter Geise added that it seemed to be ram-rodded at us and therefore not a good idea to adopt.