[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: Fire and Building Codes--Item 5B tonight

[cmosupport at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Cowles, Macon

At first reading of the various codes, staff was asked to provide the reasons and analysis supporting the requirement that fire sprinklers be installed in all new residential construction.
 The staff response was as follows:


"A question was also asked about the requirement of residential fire sprinklers, in all
structures, as part of the IRC. The City of Boulder has long required fire sprinklers in
residential town homes and homes with limited access throughout the city. Residential
fire sprinklers have been added to the 2012 IRC and are required in all new residential,
but not existing dwellings."


I am unconvinced that this justification supports requiring the added expense of the sprinkler requirement, and so will be offering an amendment to the codes that removes this requirement.


Macon Cowles
Boulder City Councilor