Long Beach Studies Law on High-Rise Fire Sprinklers

On the advice of City Manager James C. Hankla, the City Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would require most high-rise buildings to be equipped with sprinkler systems.

The Legislature is considering passing a law that would require sprinklers in all high-rise buildings by 1990. But if that measure fails, Hankla advised the council this week to create its own ordinance. The Public Safety Advisory Commission last month suggested the same.

The recommendations come in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire earlier this year at the First Interstate Bank building in downtown Los Angeles. That fire, which killed one person and injured about 40, could have been put out without major damage or injuries had the building been protected by a sprinkler system, according to fire officials.

Six Would Be Exempt

There are 43 high-rise structures in Long Beach without sprinkler systems. The city cannot demand that sprinklers be installed in six of those because they fall under federal, state or county jurisdiction. The remaining 37 buildings contain nearly 5.6 million square feet where more than 48,000 people live or work.

It would cost about $25 million to install sprinkler systems in the 37 structures, according to a city report. The buildings include 17 residential buildings, such as the Sovereign Apartments on Ocean Boulevard, the Royal Palms Apartments on Atlantic Avenue and the Holiday Inn on Lakewood Boulevard.

The list also includes City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., but the council has the authority to exempt that structure from any law it creates, Hankla said. It would cost between $600,000 and $700,000 to install sprinklers in City Hall, Hankla said. Since the building has other safety features--including partial sprinklers and 24-hour security and is next to the main fire station--the council may decide against installing a system there, he said.

Sent to Committee

On Tuesday, the council forwarded the sprinkler proposal to its three-member Public Safety Committee, which will study the matter and then make a recommendation.

Because such a law may pose a financial burden on private building owners and tenants, city officials could create assessment districts that would provide low-interest loans for sprinkler systems.

In a related matter, officials are reviewing whether they can offer similar loans to help pay the cost of strengthening the city’s older buildings that do not meet Long Beach’s earthquake abatement standards.