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Council adopts fire code amendments raising some sprinkler thresholds for commercial projects
Summary
The council adopted ordinance changes that, among other revisions, raise the commercial sprinkler threshold and expand permitted use of modified sprinkler systems for certain occupancies while retaining a 50% renovation trigger for multifamily residential buildings.
Sandy Springs City Council approved amendments to Chapter 22 (Fire Prevention and Protection) and related sections of Chapter 105 (Buildings and Building Regulations) designed to align city rules with commercial development practices and state minimum standards.
Fire Chief Keith Sanders summarized the package presented previously in a work session. Key changes adopted by the council include raising the square‑foot threshold for automatic sprinkler requirements in commercial structures from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet and permitting the use of modified sprinkler systems for light‑hazard occupancies with the fire marshal’s approval. Staff also proposed increasing the renovation trigger that requires sprinkler retrofits for commercial buildings from 50% to 100% of assessed value while excluding cosmetic and non‑safety work from the calculation.
Chief Sanders and staff emphasized that the multifamily‑residential threshold remains at 50% of assessed value, meaning that a building that sustains more than 50% damage would still be required to comply with sprinkler upgrades. The ordinance also included revisions to paint and finish requirements and language trims to remove redundancy from building‑regulation text.
Council members asked for clarity and staff committed to follow‑up outreach and written examples to assist developers and architects in interpreting the new thresholds. City staff said the amendments track state minimum fire safety standards and will reduce unnecessary retrofit costs for many commercial remodels while maintaining protections for residential occupancies.
The ordinance passed on council vote; staff said they would provide explanatory guidance to the community and meet with applicants who seek clarification of the new rules.
