Fire Codes Bill Delayed Again

The Metro Council delayed a bill again last night that would bring Nashville’s fire code in line with international standards.

Bill sponsor, Councilman Jim Hodge, says many developers like new code that Metro is considering adopting.

“We’ve got a building and development community that would like to have the International Fire Code because it is compatible with the International Building code and eliminates definitions, confusions like that.”

But Metro’s Fire Chief still wants to require the retrofitting of sprinkler systems for small bars and restaurants that have live music. Hodge says that could put many out of business.

Hodge says he delayed the bill so Metro Water, Codes, the Fire Department and other interested parties could come to an agreement. He expects to bring a revised bill back to the Council at the end of March.

Council members also passed a bill, on the first of three readings, that provides for a host of adjustments to water and sewer rates. Metro Water Director Scott Potter says he’s beginning to hold a series of public meetings with individual council members and their constituents. He says he’s not sure whether there will be a county-wide public hearing on the issue.