Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building And Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council narrows residential sprinkler requirement, exempts ADUs and many additions
Summary
City Council approved Ordinance 2025‑07 to limit mandatory automatic sprinkler systems in 1‑ and 2‑family dwellings to specified circumstances (e.g., homes over 2,000 sq ft, unprotected joists, or difficult‑access locations) and added a clear exception for accessory dwelling units and additions.
Glenwood Springs City Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑07 March 6, amending residential building‑code sprinkler requirements to apply only in specified circumstances rather than universally to all new 1‑ and 2‑family dwellings. The new language will require automatic fire sprinkler systems when a dwelling exceeds 2,000 square feet, has unprotected ceiling/floor joists in an unfinished basement or crawlspace (to be confirmed with the building official), or is sited in a location determined by the fire code official to be difficult to access.
Crucially for homeowners and developers, the ordinance includes an explicit exception for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and for additions/alterations to existing buildings that do not already have sprinklers, which staff said will ease ADU permitting costs and align with council direction to promote ADUs.
Why it matters: Since a 2022 adoption required sprinklers more broadly, the change represents a recalibration intended to balance safety and housing affordability. Staff noted other jurisdictions have taken similar steps and that the city also can explore incentive options (revolving loans or grants) to offset sprinkler costs in targeted cases.
Vote: Councilor Weimer moved approval; Councilor Sawinski seconded; the motion passed 5‑0.
Provenance: Staff presentation SEG 2792–2814; council discussion, public comments, and vote SEG 2920–3306.
Quote: Councilor Weimer: “I think for me, it's written just about perfectly.”
