September 1, 2005

County fire ordinance considered

       Homebuilders throughout the county might soon have to put extra space between some homes to help prevent fires.  A requirement to put more space between zero-lot line homes, or homes that are built on the side of the lot to make the best use of space, was originally part of an ordinance proposed by White River Township and Bargersville fire chiefs.

         That section was removed by county commissioners so it could apply to the whole county.  The chiefs are trying to establish new guidelines for businesses and residences to prevent the spread of fires and to protect residents.  Commissioners directed the chiefs to work with the planning department to put the home-spacing section in a countywide subdivision control ordinance.  Commissioners R.J. McConnell and Mitch Ripley said they would likely approve the ordinance but could not guarantee it.

         The ordinance would also include:
 

Requiring any new residential structure with more than two proposed units to have a sprinkler system.   Reducing the occupancy limit and space requirements for a sprinkler system in any business that serves alcohol to 250 people and 4,500 square feet.   Requiring that stairway doors in newly built apartment buildings not lock from the outside, trapping people in the stairwell, or providing a way to unlock them in an emergency.

Commissioners approved the ordinance on first reading at their meeting Monday night.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)
 

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