Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Code Sprinklers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners adopt local amendment allowing limited fire‑sprinkler exemptions where water or electric service is unavailable
Summary
St. Mary's County commissioners adopted a local amendment to the Maryland Building Performance Standards on April 28 to allow limited exemptions from fire‑sprinkler requirements when properties lack electric service or have valid, unexpired public‑works agreements or substandard water lines.
The Commissioners of St. Mary's County on April 28 adopted a local amendment to the Maryland Building Performance Standards that creates limited exemptions from fire‑sprinkler requirements under two specific circumstances.
Phil Shire, director of Land Use and Growth Management, and Brian Taylor presented the proposal and summarized public hearing comments. Shire said the two narrowly defined exemptions are: 1) properties not connected to electric utilities and 2) lots subject to a valid, unexpired public‑works utility agreement or with substandard water lines (for example, lines smaller than one inch). He reported that MetCom has no recorded inventory of unexpired public‑works agreements or substandard water lines, making the second exemption effectively moot in many cases; Shire noted the clause will expire Jan. 1 and that the department can address water‑line capacity on a case‑by‑case basis.
Shire also told commissioners that, in some cases, sprinklers can be facilitated with pumps and pressure enhancements even where small‑diameter service lines exist. The county received public comments during the open record period; Shire said no new comments were received after the hearing.
A motion to adopt the proposed amendment was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners indicated they will revisit cost, tax‑credit and response‑time concerns at a subsequent meeting (scheduled to discuss those issues May 5).
