Agreeing on a Fire Sprinkler Incentive Offer

Agreeing on an Incentive Offer

Pre-Application Meetings

Before development plans are drawn, schedule pre-application meetings with all stakeholders. This is an opportunity to educate about incentives and Community Risk Reduction. Discuss specific incentive offers with city planners and developers. Write an agreement letter that details exactly what incentives are being offered in exchange for sprinklering the entire development. This will give the architects and engineers guidance as they develop their plans.

The Preliminary Plan

The preliminary plan for a development will show the general layout of streets, utilities and unit placement. Review the plan for adherence to the offered incentives as well as the usual review for fire code compliance. Make suggestions for any changes that need to be make to the plan to be in compliance.

The Final Plan

When the final plan is submitted, again review the plan for adherence to the offered incentives as well as the usual review for fire code compliance. As part of your approval letter include details as to what incentives are included and any special conditions that are required. For example, if the development is composed of second homes that might not be used in winter you might require the homes be heated all winter long and be connected to a monitoring service.

Every incentive program for every development will be unique. By working cooperatively with developers and planners everyone can win.