Jefferson City considering building code, sprinkler updates

Updates to building codes will be proposed to Jefferson City Council later this month, including a requirement for apartment buildings to install sprinklers if they have more than four units. Previously only buildings containing 10 or more units needed sprinklers.

The new building codes, if approved, will apply to new and significantly renovated buildings.

Larry Burkhardt, building official for the Department of Planning and Protective Services, said the sprinklers put out fires with “less damage, fast response… and (sprinklers are) designed to save lives.”

Last December the Mid-Missouri Apartment Association sent a letter to the city requesting that these changes not be made because they would raise the price of affordable housing.

The new codes also include changes for ventilation and natural gas systems, as well as swimming pool construction standards.

The proposed code changes will be read to the City Council on August 7.