Fire Sprinkler Rules Stand as Johnston Updates Fire Code

The final reading approval of an sailed throughout the Johnston City Council meeting easily Monday evening.

The council unanimously approved a change in the ordinance which puts the fire code in line with the 2009 version of the International Fire Code.

Area Homebuilder Association officials took aim at the first two readings asking the council to ease a portion of the code that requires townhomes with more than 8,000 square feet to include sprinklers. That specific section of the code was not being updated.

Fire Chief Jim Krohse said he had heard only positive comments about the sprinkler requirements from residents and his counterparts in the area.

Mayor Paula Dierenfeld said the city needed to rely on the judgment of Krohse.