As illustrated above, zoning ordinances can contain a range of construction requirements that are also found in building codes. One of the five cities in the database is in a mini-max state. Sprinkler opponents there have grumbled about the ordinance but no one has chosen to challenge it in court. The downside of this option is that the fire department would need to enlist the cooperation of the zoning department. But if this can be accomplished, the zoning option may be a valid method for circumventing a mini-max building code.
Time is short.
Fire departments are the best organizations for combating the mini-max building code problem, but the sprinkler industry needs to alert them to the situation and motivate them to act. Resources are available for responding to the mini-mix challenge. These range from records of previous actions in states with mini-max building codes to copies of ordinances that use the options described above. Cities can be assisted with quantifying their fire risk, and fire departments can learn how to measure their suppression capability. It will take a lot of groundwork to prepare for any of the options discussed here, and the IBC may be introduced in states as early as the year 2000.