ORDINANCE NO. BL2008-230

An ordinance amending Section 10.64.015 of the Metropolitan Code to allow waivers of the sprinkler requirement for group homes that have an adequate safety plan in place.

WHEREAS, on April 17, 2007, the Metropolitan Council enacted Ordinance No. BL2007-1390 to adopt the 2006 Uniform Fire Code and Life Safety Code, along with certain local amendments thereto; and

WHEREAS, Ordinance No. BL2007-1390 deleted a provision contained in the 2006 NFPA Life Safety Code that would have exempted small board and care homes serving eight or fewer residents from the sprinkler installation requirement when all occupants have the ability as a group to move reliably to a point of safety within three minutes; and

WHEREAS, requiring existing small board and care homes serving eight or fewer residents to retrofit the home to install sprinklers imposes a substantial financial burden upon the owner of the home, and can act as an impediment to adequate housing for disabled persons; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Fire Marshal have the authority to grant a waiver from the sprinkler requirement for group homes with adequate safety measures in place to protect the residents in the event of a fire.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. Section 10.64.015 of the Metropolitan Code, Amendments to the 2006 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, is hereby amended by deleting subsection X. in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following new subsection X.:

“X. Section 32.2.3.5.2 of the 2006 edition of the Life Safety Code which is a part of the National Fire Code is hereby amended by deleting the section it in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

32.2.3.5.2. The metropolitan fire marshal shall have the authority to grant a waiver of the sprinkler installation requirement for existing small board and care homes serving eight or fewer residents upon the submission of an adequate safety plan detailing the measures in place to protect the occupants in the event of a fire, and proof that all occupants have the ability as a group to move reliably to a point of safety within three minutes.”

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Walter Hunt