Fireproof Fools

Not too long ago, when I needed to rebuild my garage, because the city got involved, I was required to install fireproof wallboard, manufactured with gypsum, on two interior walls of my garage.  The city required the fireproof wallboard because the garage did not set far enough away from the lot line of my property, which, according to building codes, means the garage is a potential fire hazard.  When I asked the city what the garage was hazarding, fire wise, the city couldn’t really say, but that wasn’t the point, the building “code” required fireproof wallboard because the garage sat to close to the lot line.  A fact I needed to have approved by the city, and all of my neighbors, also, who didn’t really care, because not one showed up at the city meeting where I was given the city’s blessing to rebuild my garage, as long as I installed the above mentioned fireproof wallboard.

Last night, I read in The Grand Rapids Press, that I am not the only individual who has, or is, having trouble with the fireproof fools.  The owners of an old gypsum mine here in Grand Rapids are having their own problems with the “code” enforcers.

The mine discussed in the story was converted into a storage facility with ideal conditions.  Constant humidity and temperature, underground, with limited access.  Perfect for storing old documents, photographs, and foods.  No problem right.  The mine is basically gypsum, dolemite, and shale, which will not burn.  But, since the mine owners added a high tech client, who stores electronic data on computer equipment, the city has decided a sprinkler system must be installed, at the cost of $250,00.0.00, because it’s a “safety issue,” rather than allowing the mine owners to simply utilize the chemical fire suppression system already installed, because it’s the “code.”

“CODE WORDS: Battle over sprinklers for old gypsum mine goes to appeals court."

You see, it says right here, in the code, that such and such must be done.  What if what it says must be done doesn’t really make sense?  That doesn’t matter, you have to follow the “code.”

Posted by on 06/10 at 04:12 AM

  1. http://anti-state.com/forum/index.php?board=5;action=display;threadid=10272

    Posted by seditious_nick  on  06/10  at  06:04 AM

  2. I seem to recall that the ice hotel (a building made entirely of ice) was required to have fire extinguishers before it could accept guests.

    I believe the proper way to settle the dispute is to use your new garage to begin construction of your armored D9.

    Posted by Andy Stedman  on  06/10  at  08:53 AM

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