The Madison Fire Department is seeking an ordinance that would require automated sprinkler systems in certain buildings, including all buildings facing State Street, by 2025. Targeted would be buildings more than 55 feet tall; bars, restaurants, theaters, and other buildings able to accommodate 100 or more people; and apartment buildings three stories tall or taller with 30 or more units. The ordinance would not apply to state and university buildings.
Business and property owners are concerned about the potential costs of installing the systems as well as the disruption the work would cause to tenants, particularly those in historic buildings.
The proposed ordinance would affect 134 older apartment buildings with more than 30 units as well as 34 buildings five stories or taller. It would also affect 127 public establishments (bars, restaurants, etc.) with a capacity of more than 100 people. More than 100 buildings on State Street would be affected. The proposal will be reviewed by several city committees.
