Laserfiche WebLink
9.A. - Page 10 <br /> released into the environment. The study also showed that the building with the <br /> Automatic Sprinkler System provided more time for people to react to a fire and <br /> the property was far less damaged. <br /> (www.firesprinklerinitiative.org/research/environmental-impact-of-fire- <br /> sprinklers.aspx#sthash.tJGDRPiV.dpuf) <br /> c. In the event of a fire, typically only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate <br /> spraying water directly on the fire and leaving the rest of the building dry and <br /> secure. When firefighters have to spray a building with water hoses, there is a <br /> much greater likelihood of water damage to the building and interior household <br /> items and furnishings. <br /> d. Installing Automatic Sprinkler Systems may result in insurance savings. The <br /> national average for installing automatic fire sprinkler systems in new homes is <br /> $1.35 per sprinklered square foot. (www.firesprinklerinitiative.org/advocacy- <br /> tools/fact-sheets/insurance-discounts-for-home-sprinklers.aspx) In 2007, the <br /> federal government reported its findings after conducting a cost-benefit <br /> analysis regarding installing residential fire sprinkler systems and found <br /> reductions in the risk of fatalities and injuries, insurance premiums, uninsured <br /> property loss, and that the sprinkler systems are generally economical. <br /> (www.fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/buildO7/PDF/bO7O25.pdf) It is estimated that the <br /> cost for retrofitting older apartment buildings with more than four units in the <br /> Bay Area is between $2.25 to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the <br /> configuration of the existing apartment building. <br /> 6. The Caltrain corridor parallels El Camino Real in Redwood City, creating a <br /> transportation barrier between Fire Stations and many multi-family buildings located <br /> on the opposite side of the corridor. It is not uncommon for fire emergency responders <br /> to be delayed because of trains travelling the railway corridor. While several train <br /> "grade separations" (train overpass separated from vehicular traffic) have helped <br /> relieve delays to some extent, there are several intersections where grade separations <br /> will not be constructed due to the existing right-of-way limitations. An Automatic <br /> Sprinkler System can help suppress a fire thus providing valuable time for people to <br /> escape and for emergency responders to reach the fire. <br /> 7. This ordinance requiring Automatic Sprinkler Systems for multi-unit residential <br /> buildings that do not already have them is reasonably necessary and serves the best <br /> interest of the community. <br /> a. This ordinance requires mandatory retrofitting of all residential buildings with <br /> four or more units lacking an approved Automatic Sprinkler System. The City <br /> Council finds that this requirement is reasonable and necessary in light of the <br /> City's particular climatic, geological, and topographical conditions; that it is <br /> reasonable and necessary in order to protect and maintain the life, health, and <br /> safety of this community; that it is reasonable in order to conserve water in a <br /> City and State that suffers from drought and must properly manage its water <br /> ATTY/ORD.410/FIRE SPRINKLER <br /> REV:05-12-15 PT <br /> Page 5 of 9 <br />