OXNARD : Council Approves Fire Sprinkler Law

The Oxnard City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance on Tuesday that will require installation of automatic fire sprinklers in every new building and in every building undergoing major modifications.

The ordinance, proposed by Fire Chief Richard Smith, affects commercial and residential buildings. A major modification is defined as an addition or alteration that exceeds 60% of the structure’s replacement cost.

Similar ordinances have been adopted in 37 other cities in California, including Napa, Anaheim, Burbank, Glendale and San Luis Obispo.

The ordinance has already won the support of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce.

Under the old law, automatic sprinklers were required only in structures larger than 5,000 square feet or taller than 35 feet.

In a report to the council, Smith said automatic fire sprinklers are the most efficient fire protection available. Considering the department’s tight budget, he said, sprinklers are preferable to hiring more firefighters and building more fire stations.

In addition, he said, insurance rates for homes and businesses that install sprinklers are usually reduced 10% to 30%.

“They are, without question, the most efficient and cost-effective fire-protection system ever designed,” he said. “Only sprinklers actually extinguish the fire where it starts.”