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Annapolis delays action on downtown sprinkler mandate after timeline, resource and funding concerns
Summary
Committee postponed final action on ordinance 03224 after extended testimony from the fire marshal's office and committee members’ concerns about the timeline, permitting capacity and funding. Staff were asked to update the record with counts of noncompliant buildings and sprinkler fund details.
The Annapolis Economic Matters Committee on Dec. 18 postponed action on ordinance 03224, a proposed update to the city’s fire sprinkler requirements that would clarify that mixed-use buildings with commercial ground floors and residences above must be sprinklered and would set a deadline for compliance.
Committee members and city fire officials debated the length and cost of the sprinkler-installation process, the city’s permitting capacity and available financial assistance for property owners. Kevin Budzapata, who oversees the City of Annapolis Fire Marshal's Office, said the ordinance language "clarifies that commercial means mixed use," and that the office supports sprinklers as a safety measure. Charles Ruth, the city's fire protection engineer, described the typical process for adding sprinklers:…
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