Bayfield town trustees gave first reading approval to update a whole group of construction codes and the fire code on Dec. 6.
They set a public hearing and second reading for Dec. 20.
Most of the codes are 2015 versions. "We're currently on the 2003 version of the International Building Code," Town Manager Chris La May said. "There are some advantages to having more current versions of the code, including the ISO rating" that affects insurance rates for homeowners and businesses.
And grant money, such as from the State Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can be tied to having up-to-date codes, he said.
"Every three years, there are a new series of codes," he continued. "They are already starting on the 2018 codes. The National Homebuilders Association recommends adoption of the 2015 codes."
Upper Pine Chief Bruce Evans told the Times that most of these codes come from the International Code Commission made up of an assortment of groups such as the National Fire Protection Association. ISO stands for the Insurance Service Organization, which collects and analyzes community data that it provides to the insurance industry.
One of the concerns has been how requiring sprinkler systems in new homes would affect the cost of a house. At a recent meeting on the codes, Upper Pine Fire District representatives supported a threshold of 5,000 square feet to require sprinklers, with the expectation that homes that big aren't likely to be built in Bayfield anyway.
Upper Pine Fire Marshal Tom Kaufman told trustees on Dec. 6 that sprinklers are required on buildings taller than four stories.
He cited the Dec. 2 fire in Oakland, Calif., a warehouse converted illegally into a maze of artist studios and living spaces. Thirty-six people died in that. He also cited a night club fire in Rhode Island five years ago that killed around 100 people.
"The fire code has been built on these disasters" to try to prevent the next one, he said.
Kaufman noted the codes are actually minimum requirements. "The concern I've heard is residential sprinklers. I'm an advocate of them. We've agreed to 5,000 square feet or more."
He advised, "Our resources can't handle that big of a fire. One to two sprinkler heads releasing 15 to 20 gallons per minute will catch the fire and put it out instead of us playing catch-up when we get there."
Upper Pine board president Jeff Dyar said, "The average person around here won't feel any difference. If we get too far behind on codes, it affects our ISO rating. We're very aware of impacts on the average person."
Upper Pine board member Casey Cook said, "Insurance is driving all of this. If you don't have rules and regulations that meet their standards, they won't insure you." He said fire insurance is almost impossible to get in California because of wildfires there.
Dyar added, "You haven't felt that in town, but certain insurers have pulled out of Forest Lakes."
Upper Pine is in the midst of an ISO review to get lower ratings which can mean lower insurance premiums in and out of town. The updated codes must be approved by Dec. 20 for that, the day of the next town board meeting, Dyar said.
The sprinkler requirement for businesses will depend on the use and the size of the building, Kaufman said. Sprinklers also could be required if a business changes use, such as to a bar and restaurant. Those requirements are in the existing fire code, he said. Sprinklers are required if allowed occupancy is more than 100.
Buildings under state jurisdiction, such as schools or nursing homes, must meet current codes, he said.
Mayor Matt Salka commented, "I don't foresee any 5,000 square foot homes. I'm happy with that number." He indicated that with a lower threshold, he'd be concerned about the impact on housing costs.
