By Ryan Lewis
Correspondent
KIMBALL, Tenn. — City officials believe it won’t be long until sprinkler systems are required for all new homes in Tennessee, but for now, they’re holding off that mandate as long as possible.
At its February meeting, the Kimball Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the first reading of a new ordinance that basically replaces the 2003 International Building Code with the 2009 edition.
The board endorsed the code update except for a section that requires sprinkler systems in new single-family homes.
“Tennessee passed a law last year that allows you to opt out if you don’t want to require sprinkler systems in your single-family residences, and most jurisdictions have opted out of that,” City Attorney Billy Gouger said.
Fire Chief Jeff Keef said it’s only a matter of time before the state requires such systems.
“It’s going to bring on a lot more (costs) than just sprinkling the house,” he said. “You’ve got to have the water supply to run the sprinkler system.”
Chief Keef said that even if adaptations such as using plastic water lines have reduced costs, the systems will cause other unforeseen problems for residents.
ON THE WEBLearn more about the International Building Code at the International Codes Council Web site, www.iccsafe.org.
“If the kids are in there throwing the ball around the bedroom and knock one of the sprinkler heads off, you’ve got a large mess in about a minute. Usually the person living in the house doesn’t know where to cut it off,” he said.
“I know it’s coming, but I agree we need to hold off on it as long as we can.”
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.