Dogwood property under fire watch; board to lift leasing restriction once sprinkler system is certified

The East Ridge Codes Enforcement Board voted to keep the Dogwood property (managed by Alexander Forest Investments) under fire watch and a no-leasing restriction while the property completes sprinkler-system work, but the board authorized lifting the restriction once the city receives a written certification that the sprinkler system is functioning.

Rhonda Ramirez, an operations specialist with Alexander Forest Investments, told the board the fire alarm system has been retagged and is being monitored by Chattanooga Fire Protection, and that a sprinkler contractor had recently scoped the work. Ramirez said many units checked by the state agency’s inspection had working smoke detectors and that the property is arranging inspections and equipment replacements, including exit lights, Knox box components and riser-room signage.

Deputy Fire Marshal Debbie Dean and codes staff stressed that the primary outstanding issue was the sprinkler system. Dean told the board she preferred to keep on-site monitoring until the sprinklers are signed off, and the board agreed. The board also said that once the fire department and the deputy marshal sign and provide a written statement that the sprinkler system is satisfactory, staff may remove the on-site monitoring and lift the no-leasing restriction without the property having to return to the board.

The board passed the motion unanimously and asked staff to continue oversight of remaining repairs. Commissioners said they would allow existing residents to remain but not to lease additional units until the sprinkler system is confirmed.