March 3, 2006

WRT updates fire rules

       Developers wanting to build a home or business in the county’s fastest growing area will have an easier time following the rules this spring.  Fire regulations for White River Township were approved this week and could go into effect as early as April, pending approval from a state committee.  Most of the regulations were already in effect for residents and business owners in the area, such as not allowing gas grills on apartment balconies and making sure residents are not locked in stairwells during a fire.  New rules take requirements from the county and the state and combine them into the same document. The change will help developers follow the rules without having to check so many different law books, said Eric Brown, White River Township fire marshal.

         Officials from the White River Township and Bargersville fire departments first presented the rules in July. Commissioners made some changes and gave a final, unanimous approval to the rules Monday.  Changes include taking out the requirement to space houses in densely populated developments at least 20 feet apart and reducing the occupancy in businesses that serve alcohol, Brown said.  Fire officials planned to work with the county planning department to include requirements on home spacing in the county ordinance.  The rule has not been added yet but is recommended for the planning and technical review committees to consider when new developments are presented, said Bill Peeples, county planning director.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)
  
   

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