July 25, 2019
City to Hold Meeting on Sprinklers
After a discussion concerning the 2018 revisions to the residential building code (IRC), Brad Mueller, the City’s Community Development Director said his staff would organize an open house to discuss the proposed mandatory fire sprinkler requirement for new single-family and duplex homes. Both the Greeley Area REALTOR® Association (GARA) and the Northern Colorado Home Builders Association (NoCo HBA) oppose this provision, saying it will simply make new homes more expensive. The City estimates the cost at $1.35 a square foot but builders and REALTORS® fear the actual cost could be higher.
Mayor John Gates was not present at the work session and not all members of Council voiced their thoughts on the issue. Dale Hall said he would not support sprinklers because he lived in a home with sprinklers that had turned on when there was no fire. Stacy Suniga and Jon Smail agreed cost was an issue but said safety was more important.
The City intends to organize the open house for builders prior to first reading of the ordinance, which is tentatively scheduled for August 6. GARA will ensure that REALTORS® who are involved in new construction are invited to that meeting.
IRES MLS: Come Home to Colorado 