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Breckenridge pauses permitting for exterior wildfire suppression systems for six months
Summary
The Town Council approved a six-month moratorium on permitting exterior wildfire-suppression systems served by the town water utility, citing lack of national standards, potential water-supply impacts and the need for further testing and code development.
Breckenridge Town Council on July 28 unanimously approved Resolution No. 14, imposing a six-month moratorium on issuing permits for exterior wildfire suppression systems for properties served by the town water utility. The council vote follows staff and fire-district testimony that many of the systems currently on the market lack nationally recognized standards, testing and model-code provisions.
“We do not have anything to understand these systems,” Jay Nelson, chief executive officer and fire marshal for Red, White and Blue Fire, told the council during the discussion. He said the systems are not listed or certified in the same way as interior fire sprinklers and that independent testing and model-code guidance are needed before the town considers permitting them.
Public-works staff framed the moratorium as a precaution for both the water utility and the building department. James Phelps, the town’s public works director, said the pause will allow staff to evaluate water policies, potential unauthorized connections and whether separate water storage or no-refill policies are needed to protect distribution pressure and firefighting capacity. “This six-month period is necessary to further evaluate and come back to council with rules and regulations,” Phelps said.
Ruth Fout, the town’s chief building official, explained the draft permitting requirements staff is considering would include site plans, stamped structural plans where needed, plumbing and electrical permits, and material safety data for non-water effluent. A representative of one system developer told the council he supported the pause while standards evolve and suggested the town also examine broader irrigation water use in the community.
The resolution passed by roll call vote with all council members recorded as voting yes. Staff will return with recommended code language, water-utility protections and proposed inspection and maintenance standards before the moratorium expires.
