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Raymond, Maine Selectmen Consider Sprinkler Systems in New Structures

February 24, 2010 - RAYMOND - Soon all new buildings in Raymond may have to contain sprinkler systems if changes to the fire department ordinance are accepted. The Raymond Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 Tuesday evening to send the proposed changes to the town meeting for a vote. The changes would require all new structures contain sprinkler systems. It also requires that all subdivisions with more than six homes, including condominiums, apartments, or single family homes, install a 10,000 gallon cistern on the premises and an additional cistern for each additional six dwellings in the subdivision.

''Currently the state is looking to do this anyway,'' said Raymond Fire Inspector Craig Messinger.

Messinger explained that 70 percent of the homes in Raymond are located in areas without fire hydrants, making the fire department's job particularly challenging if cisterns are not available.

''This is added fire protection. A lot of towns do this,'' he said.

Fire Chief Denis Morse said that the way the ordinance is currently phrased, a builder must comply with whatever the fire department requires.

''The planning board has asked for a more definitive description. This is more black and white,'' he said.

The changes also require all new buildings have emergency electrical shut-off switches installed at the electrical meter, and will require those looking to install a solid fuel burning device, such as a pellet or wood stove, obtain a permit and inspection from the fire department.

''I don't think anything (in the proposed ordinance) is unreasonable. I think it's time we take this next step,'' said Morse.
Selectman Joe Bruno expressed concern that the Windham Town Council recently passed a fire code that did not include a requirement for sprinkler systems in single-family homes.

''They didn't even have an ordinance. We're leaps and bounds ahead of them,'' responded Morse.
While he was quick to admit that the proposed ordinance would take heat from developers, he explained that it was worth it to keep costs down for the town.

''Quite frankly, we're thinking down the road. We're thinking we don't need a full fire department,'' said Morse, explaining that by requiring sprinkler systems in all new buildings, the fire department will not have to grow as quickly as the population grows.

Morse also said that these ordinance changes would level the playing field, forcing all new residences to contain sprinkler systems instead of only subdivisions, which are currently required to install them in all new buildings.

''If it's fair for subdivisions and they're selling homes, I hope people will see it's fair for these small homes. If it's fair for one, it's fair for all,'' Morse said.

Selectman Charlie Leavitt expressed concern that all of the ordinance changes would be thrown out at town meeting because people objected to requiring single family homes to be sprinkled. An ordinance cannot be changed or adjusted at town meeting. It must go through the state-required planning board review and public hearing process for each major change. It must be accepted in its entirety at the town meeting if it is to be enacted.

''This town has been pretty progressive at town meetings. I guess we'll have to gamble and respect the vote of the people,'' Morse said.

by Emily Parkhurst, February 24, 2010, The Independent, Gray, Raymond, Windham




Lakes: Sebago Lake
Regions: Sebago


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