Committee to discuss building code provisions related to installation of sprinkler systems

The Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee during its next meeting tomorrow – Wednesday, May 28 will discuss file #250193 – communication from the Department of Neighborhood Services, the Office of the City Attorney, and the Milwaukee Fire Department relating to the enforcement of the building code, the retroactivity of provisions within the building code, and provisions governing the installation of sprinkler systems. The file, sponsored by Alderman Robert J. Bauman, chair of the committee, comes in response to the tragic Mother’s Day fire at the Highland Court Apartments on May 11.

“The Highland Court Apartments building was constructed before structure-wide sprinkler systems at such apartment complexes were required by law. It is clear in this instance that the lack of sprinklers made this fire much, much worse. We need to have a conversation about these building code provisions to see what, if anything, can be done. A change in the code could save lives in the future,” said Alderman Bauman.

The Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28 in room 301-B at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St. The meeting will also be streamed live on the City Channel (channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse in the City of Milwaukee) and via streaming video on the city website at city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.