SnowGlobe charges and fire code change voted on at SLT City Council meeting

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Code has changed, much to the appreciation of both homeowners and contractors who had to deal with different codes, depending on the location of the home, City or in the County.

The council voted to remove restrictions on the fire sprinkler code (Chapter 5.20) to be more in line with Lake Valley Fire District. The City's stricter code confused contractors who build houses in the city, and in the county, and it was also found to be cost prohibitive for homeowners wishing to remodel.

In 2014, the council updated the South Lake Tahoe Fire Code and added more restrictive standards for fire sprinklers than what was required by the National Fire Protection Association Standard. It required home owners who were adding on 2,500 sq ft, or 60% more floor space, whichever was greater, to have fire sprinklers in closets over 24 sq ft, bathrooms, garages, storage areas as well as all rooms.

The code had also required the fire department to witness a flush of the street to home water line, now they just need to have a flow test done.

At the time they were in line with Lake Valley Fire's sprinkler code, but the fire department in the County rescinded those changes.

South Lake Tahoe's updated code will now state just the standard fire code and not add any extras. They are simpler and cost less for homeowners, while still creating a safe environment.

Also during Tuesday's City Council meeting, the four councilmembers (Hal Cole was absent) voted to not reimburse Chad Donnelly $9,234.40 for additional SnowGlobe garbage fees. They did vote though to give him $4,500 for supplemental transportation costs, something he said cost more than $155,000.

The City already spent over $80,000 for the 2015 event. This amount went towards police and fire personnel, most of which was overtime, event operations labor, utilities, equipment and advertising.