Jimmy said:
“issuing a fire ordinance order which could cost tens of thousands of dollars in sprinkler systems and whatnot….You could start by insisting that everyone installs a smoke alarm in every room (required by law).”
I just wanted to point out that smoke alarms are not required in every room, for most single story apartments one is likely all that is required.
“For apartments, blocks of flats (Class 2 buildings) and residences over shops or caretaker flats (Class 4 parts of buildings) smoke alarms are required on or near the ceiling in the following areas in each flat or unit:
• in every corridor or hallway associated with a bedroom, or, if there is no corridor or hallway, between the part of the unit containing the bedroom and the rest of the dwelling, and
• in any storey not containing bedrooms. In these storeys smoke alarms should be located in the path of travel most likely to be used by those evacuating the unit.” (1)
Also pretty sure a 9 apartment building would not require sprinklers; I do not remember the exact specifics but I have a recollection (maybe from flat chat itself) that it might be required for new buildings above 6 storeys.
However I do agree a fire ordinance order could easily be tens of thousands or more. For example.
-for new apartment fire doors (or remediation of the existing ones for deadbolts, doors closers, gaps etc.
– emergency exit signage and lighting
– non slip stair edging
– other fire compartment issues such ceiling or party wall penetrations
– since the council can do pretty anything in the fire ordinance, if current BCA has requirements for hardwired fire alarms – my understanding they could order that as well; even though a private certifier may have found the standard self installed battery powered ones adequate.