The Demopolis City Council is considering a change to the city's building requirements after an issue arose with the Riverstone townhouse development under construction on Maria Avenue.
A city ordinance adopted in 2015 requires sprinkler systems in residential developments where multiple units share a continuous roof. The Riverstone development includes buildings with three side-by-side townhouses under one roof, making them subject to the requirement.
The council has been asked to consider adopting the state's more recent building regulations, which do not require sprinkler systems in this type of construction.
City Attorney Scott Stapp told the council that many other municipalities have already adopted the state's updated regulations.Â
Mayor Woody Collins added the proposed change to Thursday's meeting agenda during the work session. However, Councilman Charles Jones requested more time to review the state's regulations before voting.
The council is expected to revisit the issue at its next meeting on the first Thursday in November.
Riverstone developer Jim Parr said the delay will not hold up construction because sprinkler systems would be installed later in the building process.
Several foundations have already been poured at the Maria Avenue site, but only one building containing three townhouses is currently under construction.
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