Townhouse tweak allows different sprinkler options

While not taking any direct action against existing code, Worcester County Commissioner Bud Church on Tuesday offered legislation that would reclassify banks of three or more townhomes to be classified as single-family residences rather than multi-family dwellings.

The change, which moves townhomes away from connotations of apartment complexes in the fire code, could go into effect immediately after a scheduled March 15 public hearing since it was offered as an emergency bill.

For the purposes of fire sprinklers, this change would allow the installation of the National Fire Protection Association’s 13D standard instead of the 13R standard fire suppression systems.

“It’s kind of pushing it but it’s not a huge stretch,” Steve Muncy, president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association said. “The 13D is the lower standard.”

More