TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 26-3 and 26-7 Relating to Fire Sprinklers and Exceptions to Fire Sprinklers; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Continue Ordinance No. 2025-10 to second reading on April 8, 2025.
Recommended Action for Second Reading
Approve Ordinance No. 2025-10 as presented.
Background Information
Currently, the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, requires that all commercial buildings must be designed and constructed with a complete fire sprinkler system in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, Standard for Installation of Fire Sprinkler Systems and all commercial and multifamily residential buildings containing three or more attached residential units (apartments, dwelling units, or townhouses) must be designed and constructed with a commercial fire alarm system that complies with NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code, and NFPA 72- National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
North Port Fire Rescue desires to establish exceptions to the fire sprinkler and alarm systems to minimize the economic burden while not compromising the life safety of emergency response personnel and its citizens. These exceptions include commercial buildings not more than 2,000 gross square feet, without commercial cooking, and an occupant load of less than 10 persons shall be excluded from this requirement. Examples: Guard House, Bathhouse, Restroom, Mail Kiosk, Maintenance Building, Garage, Construction Trailer with a valid Temporary Use Permit, Amenity Center or other similar type of commercial building approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
Ordinance No. 2025-10 has been reviewed by the Interim City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Per Florida Statutes Section 166.041(4)(c), a business impact estimate was not required as this Ordinance is enacted to implement Florida Statutes Section 633.202, relating to the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Information for Second Reading
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on March 18, 2025, the City Commission continued Ordinance No. 2025-10 to second reading on April 8, 2025, as presented.
Strategic Plan
Safe Community
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2025-10 Second Reading
2. Ordinance No. 2025-10 First Reading
Prepared by: Nicholas Herlihy, Deputy Fire Chief
Department Director: Scott Titus, Fire Chief