Contact Information
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

5533 N Broadway, Chicago IL 60640

Phone: 773-784-2002

Fax: 773-784-2060

Email: [email protected]
State Fire Marshal Seeking Sprinkler Mandate

Dear Neighbors,

 

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is attempting to implement a rule change that would preempt the City of Chicago's fire code and allow for enforcement of State regulations. Instead of using the legislative process, the changes have been proposed to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), a body composed of legislators that reviews departmental rule changes. 

 

In addition to a variety of structural changes, the proposed rule would require the outfitting of units and common areas with fire sprinklers for all "high rise" buildings (over 80 feet tall), a variety of businesses, places of worship, all newly constructed homes and any homes that go through an extensive renovation. Currently, only large buildings built after 1975 require sprinklers.

 

Sprinkler systems are a massive construction project that involves the removal of walls to lay new pipes, pumps and sprinkler heads. It is estimated that the cost per unit will be roughly $35,000. This cost would be met by increases in rent and massive special assessments that could bankrupt thousands of condo owners and push individuals out of their apartments.

 

Fire safety is a top priority for the city. The city's Life Safety Evaluation program is one of the most comprehensive in the country and has mandated that buildings update fire safety mechanisms to include automatic elevator recall, hard wired smoke detectors and intercom-capable fire alarms. Statistics show these measures are just as effective as sprinklers due to our fire response time and the nature of high-rise buildings. 

 

What you can do:

 

JCAR utilizes a period of public comment for any proposed rules. The period to comment on the fire code changes ends Monday, August 12th. 

 

Correspondence should be directed to: 

 

Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

700 Stratton Building

Springfield, IL 62706

[email protected]

 

Additionally, you can reach out to the members of JCAR here.

 

In your letter or email, it is most effective to describe how the financial burden the new rule would place would impact your life. All correspondence will be recorded and placed in the public record.

 

Additionally, a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 6 at 9:00am at the Office of the State Fire Marshal headquarters, 1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL. 

 

I will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, July 31st at 6:30pm to provide an update on the proposed rules and actions that can be taken to stop it. Information will be provided as we get closer to the date.

 

Please contact my office at 773-784-2002 or [email protected] if you have any questions.

 





State Representative Kelly Cassidy | 5533 N. Broadway | Chicago | IL | 60640