Fire sprinklers: Concerns about costs for homeowners, business Fire sprinklers: Concerns about costs for homeowners, business (January 21, 2004)

** Menlo council puts off decision.

By Rebecca Wallace

Almanac Staff Writer

Saying they had too many concerns that still needed to be allayed, the Menlo Park City Council unanimously opted January 13 to postpone voting on a proposal that would require automatic fire sprinklers to be installed in many new and remodeled buildings.

Mainly, several council members and residents said they were worried about a heavy cost burden for residents and business owners. Championed by the Menlo Park Fire District, the law would mandate the sprinklers in all new buildings -- including single-family homes -- of more than 1,000 square feet, as well in existing structures that undergo remodels affecting 75 percent or more of the square footage.

In addition, the rule would apply to new buildings with a basement of 250 square feet or greater, as well as existing buildings adding such a basement.

Chief Paul Wilson of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District has said the cost of sprinkler installation is typically under $3 a square foot, but the council members wanted more detail.

Chuck Kinney said he'd like city staff to look back at the major remodels in Menlo Park over the last few years to see how much cost such a law would have added. Paul Collacchi agreed, saying, "It would be nice to know who's impacted."

Speaking before the council, resident Terry Kent criticized the 75 percent rule for remodels as "much too stringent" and said it would discourage people from expanding smaller homes. Mr. Kinney also wondered aloud whether smaller homes would be disproportionately affected.

In response to these concerns, fire district board member Peter Carpenter said: "This is not a cost issue. This is a life safety issue. We never proposed this as something that would save money."

Mr. Carpenter then referred the council to statistics listed in the city staff report on the proposal, including National Fire Protection Association data collected nationwide from 1983 to 1992 that show the number of deaths per 1,000 fires was cut by 57 percent in homes with sprinklers.

City Manager David Boesch said the earliest that staff could bring the item back to the council would probably be February 24.

The Atherton City Council has already given approval to a similar fire-sprinkler ordinance.
INFORMATION

The Menlo Park City Council will focus on the city's water and storm drain systems during a special study session starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, in the council chambers at 801 Laurel St. The session is expected to include information about the maintenance and funding needs of the systems. No other council business is planned.

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