Johnston Sprinkler Requirements for Townhomes Deemed Reasonable by Council

Beverly Hummel of Ankeny put a face to the fight to keep the city of Johnston fire code as is when it comes to townhouse sprinkler requirements.

The approved a second reading of the updated unanimously on Monday. The only update to the code is to adopt the 2009 version of the International Fire Code; the sprinkler requirements are not a section being revised.

Hummel recalled a December night in 2005 when her cousin was killed in a townhouse fire on Terrace Drive in Johnston.

"My cousin and friend lost her life to a fire," she said of Cheryl Boston's death. "I would hope that sprinkler systems would be put in townhomes no matter what size they are. She would be alive tonight if there were sprinklers installed."

Fire Chief Jim Krohse told the council the proposed changes were to accommodate the needs of Pioneer Hi-Bred's fuel tank capacity for generators and to amend wording that covers radio communication in large commercial buildings.

However, the sprinkler section has been the focus of Creighton Cox, a representative for the area Homebuilders Assocation. Cox has asked the board to relax the sprinkler requirements for townhouses.

Currently, the city requires townhomes with more than 8,000 square feet to be equipped with sprinklers.

Hummel said that sprinkler systems should be installed in all construction because lives can be saved.

"Money shouldn't be the bottom dollar," she said. "It should save lives. We, as a family, implore you to make this mandate no matter the size."

Cox once again asked the council to relax the requirement, suggesting using sprinklers in townhouse with more than 9,000 square feet, excluding garage space.

Councilman Gerd Clabaugh said the council has discussed this topic several times in the six years he has held a seat.

"I think we've landed in what is a reasonable place," he said. "The changes taking place are in response to Pioneer's needs. I think the fire chief's proposal is reasonable and I'd be supportive of that."

Councilman Tom Cope said staying with the current requirements is being a step ahead of other communities.

"Sometimes it's good to be on the leading edge of an issue and I think this is one of those situations," he said. "I'm sympathetic to the argument the Home Builders Association brought forward, but I haven't seen enough that the policy is a bad policy, it's a good policy."

The council will have a final reading on the issue at its July 16 meeting.