|
LJ fire sprinkler ordinance further reduced
Published February 19, 2009
LAKE JACKSON — The city again has revised its new fire sprinkler requirements, this time easing the mandate on small businesses afraid of being soaked by the safety system’s expense.
City Council amended the ordinance Tuesday night to apply only to commercial buildings of more than 8,000 square feet. The decision comes the same night council gave final approval to suspending a requirement that sprinklers be installed in all new and remodeled homes.
Both decisions were based on concerns about the cost of the systems.
“The requirement is a deterrent to small business,” Councilman Gerald Roznovsky said. “It increases their cost and their ability to start and run a business.”
Council revised the code last year to say any new commercial property, property undergoing more than 50 percent of its value in renovations or a property changing its occupancy designation must install sprinklers. The code previously stated every commercial property of more than 12,000 square feet needed sprinklers.
The ordinance passed with the understanding the cost would be a lot less than it actually is, Mayor Bob Sipple said. Businesses have come forward saying installing sprinklers would cost them $15,000 to $50,000.
Realtors also are concerned they will be unable to lease vacant buildings because the renter would have to put in a sprinkler system, Realtor Harold Cox said.
“If the building doesn’t become occupied, who are we protecting?” Sipple said.
The new 8,000-square-foot requirement is only temporary. Council members said they will revisit the issue when they have more information.
“I think there’s a workable solution, but we don’t have all of the pieces,” Councilman Will Brooks said.
Council members discussed a possible incentive program for residents who choose to install sprinkler systems. Lake Jackson staff were asked to see if a grant or tax rebate would be possible for homeowners who opt to install sprinklers.
“I would love for people to do it because they want to,” Councilman Bob Geter said.
In other business Tuesday, council members:
DISCUSSED: A location for an RV dump site. Public Works Director Craig Nisbett suggested a corner of Dunbar Park could be used and likely would cost about $6,000. However, he does not suggest the city build the dump site because of liability issues, he said. Council asked him to look for a better place for a dump site.
APPROVED: Brazosport College’s request for an officer. The police department will provide an officer and his equipment for the college, but the college will pay all the costs except the patrol car, City Manager Bill Yenne said. The college believes it is important to have an actual police presence at the college, he said.
AWARDED: A $150,177 contract with Universal Sheet Metal Inc. to repair the Recreation Center gymnasium roof. The roof was peeled back on two sides during Hurricane Ike, Parks and Recreation Director Woody Eastman said. Most of the cost is covered by insurance, he said.
PURCHASED: A residential rear-load garbage truck for $233,081, a trash truck chassis for $57,333, two pickups for $39,693, a residential rear-load packer for $81,050 and two traffic control cabinets used at intersections for $18,000. All of the purchases are to replace equipment that has outlived its usefulness, Yenne said.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print
|
|
|
 |
|
FREE BAY BOAT WITH WATERFRONT PURCHASE Get
...
Click for all
Top Ads listing
|
