05/02/2011 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• unclear at this time whether that system is still in place. The city water system does not currently service the site. A fire suppression system would require either the extension of public utilities or an on -site well and storage system. Mr. Freimuth noted that these options did not make this site financially feasible for his purposes. He also stated that the fire suppression requirements were local requirements - not state required. The City has adopted Section 1306 of the State Building Code, which authorizes optional provisions for the installation of fire suppression systems. Section 1306 is more restrictive than the general sprinkler requirements under the State Building Code by lowering the threshold for sprinkler protection in new buildings and additions to existing buildings. Adoption of 1306 is a requirement of the Centennial Fire District Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). The JPA has been in effect since 1990 and the city has enforced the 1306, as amended, since that time. The purpose of 1306 was to control future fire loss. This is accomplished, in part, by placing the burden for fire protection on the developing property owners in the form of sprinkler systems as opposed to the taxpayer in the form of more firefighters, stations and vehicles /equipment. More significantly, it is an important life safety enhancement. Repealing Chapter 1306 would require amending the Centennial Fire District JPA and would effectively lower our development standards. Section 1306 does provide an exemption if the building does not have an adequate water supply and the building is surrounded by public ways or yards more than 60 feet wide on all sides. However, this property does not meet the 60 foot requirement. Jerry Streich, Centennial Fire Chief will be at the meeting to answer any question regarding Section 1306. Repeal or change in this requirement could have the impact of increasing fire protection costs across the community as well as a change in the city's fire insurance rating which may impact premiums. General Comments While both staff and council would like to see the site actively used, we need to balance that with the long -term goals of the city. For better or worse, the market is the main driver in this transition. Staff continues to seek potential redevelopment opportunities that will aid in the site redevelopment and ultimately result in a higher, more stable, long- term tax base for the city. Additionally, staff has identified other sites within the city's GI, General Industrial district that while still requiring a zoning amendment, would be more appropriate for his business. Unfortunately, those sites do not meet his current needs. Council Direction Council requires no action. The following questions should be considered if the council • wishes to pursue changes to accommodate Mr. Freimuth's proposal. 3