Three Chicago policymakers are holding town hall meetings on the State Fire Marshal’s effort to implement Life Safety Code updates that would mandate installation of costly fire sprinkler systems in new residential construction and older high-rise buildings.
- Rep. Ken Dunkin, D-Chicago, will hold a meeting 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, in the Auditorium Building at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave. Dunkin notes in the announcement the proposed rule changes could cost condo association members, homebuyers and businesses dearly if they are approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which has the final say on the proposal.
- State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, and Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, plan a virtual town hall 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 31. More details will be coming on this soon.
The code update would have a huge impact on Chicago residents due to the large number of buildings there built before 1975. These buildings would fall under a mandate to install sprinkler systems, despite the presence of strict city fire codes and the expenditure of millions by building owners on fire safety.
The costs could range into the millions for some buildings. Owners would have no alternative but to pass on the costs to residents either in the form of higher rents or condo association fees.
