Variance Hearing

Tuesday, February 5, we are scheduled to appear before the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. This is to review our request for a variance, by which we are asking that the requirement for a commercial sprinkler fire system and a residential fire sprinkler be waived.

The way I understand it, if I was only building for retail use, there would be no fire sprinkler required because of the limited square footage involved. Similarly, it is not necessary for a single family home to install a fire sprinkler system. But now, when they are combined in a mixed use building both a residential and commercial fire sprinkler system seem to be required. This will add around $35,000 to the cost of construction. Hopefully, we can convince them that it really is an excessive requirement.

The building is to be constructed mostly from non-combustible materials and the retail building and residence are separated by a courtyard and a 2-hour firewall and door. Furthermore, the residence is to be used as a single family dwelling - this is not a condo/business mixed use project, which it seems the code is addressing.

So, I will have the opportunity to meet some more islanders and promote Paragraphs. I just hope they see things our way!!