State takes comments on fire-sprinkler regulations

Fire-sprinkler requirements for all new construction by 2011 is the focus of a meeting on Thursday at the Kalispell City Council chambers.

Sponsored by the Department of Labor and Industry Building Codes Bureau, the meeting runs from 10 a.m. to noon and is aimed at gathering public comments on the issue.

Local builders say the new rules will make it even more difficult to build affordable housing. And building associations say that residential fire sprinklers don't have a measurable track record and aren't cost effective.

The International Residential Code 2009 adopted a section that requires sprinklers for single-family homes and townhouses. The state will decide in July how to handle the new regulations, and has been conducting meetings throughout Montana to glean input from stakeholders, according to David Cook, bureau chief of the Building Codes Bureau.

A meeting initially wasn't scheduled in Kalispell, but was added after encouragement from Flathead Building Association Government Affairs Director George Culpepper Jr. and Montana Building Industry Association Executive Director Dustin Stewart.

State officials will review the code adoption process and procedures and take comments during the two-hour meeting.

"This informal format is designed to get some discussion going about the home sprinkler issue, hear from all sides, and gain some insight to any technical problems, if any, to moving forward or not moving forward with the written text of this model code language," Cook said. "The results of these meetings will assist the department in determining the best course to follow regarding the IRC."

Among the state's options are:

n Adopt the 2009 edition as is - no modifications to sprinkler requirements.

n Do not adopt the 2009 edition at this time - keep the 2006 edition in place.

n Adopt the 2009 edition with modification to delay the effective date of sprinklers to 2012, 2013, 2014, etc. (the 2009 edition requires sprinklers as of Jan. 1, 2011).

n Adopt the 2009 edition with modifications to the sprinkler requirements for trade-offs in certain conditions, such as increased exiting, fire alarms or fire-resistant construction.

Merna Terry, vice president of Ron Terry Construction, said the new requirements would make it much more difficult to build affordable housing.

"This change would cost over $3,000 in impact fees alone for the homes we build," Terry said.

The Flathead Building Association and other building groups have sent out "talking points' to members, encouraging them to attend the meeting.

Current fire losses don't warrant fire sprinklers, the Flathead Building Association maintains.

Because of changes in residential construction technology, consumer behavior and firefighting efforts, the number of fatal fires has dropped dramatically in the past 20 years, the association said. Improved construction techniques also have made new homes safer.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com