Local business fails fire inspection

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

On Monday, the Columbia Building Construction Codes Commission is set to meet to discuss a building's failure to meet city codes.

Atlas Autism Health is located on 800 Cherry Street and is classified as an I-4 Institutional Group, which is a building that is occupied by more than 5 people who receive care from people.

With this classification and because the business is located in the basement of the building with no immediate exit to outside, they are required to have an automated sprinkler system.

According to inspection documents, not only did the building lack a sprinkler system, but Atlas also failed to have a fire extinguisher and post exit signs where necessary in the building.

City regulations regarding sprinkler systems require a business or building to submit their system plans to Columbia Fire where they will go through a series of testing to ensure that all operations run smoothly.

During Monday's meeting, the commission is set to look over Atlas' appeal application where they are asking to be classified as a "Business Group B" professional service. This would classify them as a training and skill development not in a school or academic program. 

If the organization's appeal to change from an I-4 Institutional Group to a Group B Business is approved tomorrow, Atlas would not need an automated sprinkler system.

The meeting will occur Monday June 26 at City Hall at 4:30 p.m.