Council OKs changes to building codes

Basement sleeping rooms in Cape Girardeau will have to meet new safety requirements designed to prevent fatal fires.

The city council on Monday approved the first reading of a measure adopting the 2000 building codes and the 2002 electrical code on a 6 to 1 vote with Councilwoman Marcia Ritter casting the lone dissenting vote.

Ritter said she objected to the measure because the safety requirements won't apply to remodeling existing basements into dens or other nonsleeping rooms.

The ordinance does require emergency egress for all sleeping rooms in new and remodeled homes, said Robert McClary, director of inspection services for the city.

The new city code measure is scheduled to take effect on May 1.

"We do feel adoption of modern codes will go a long way in safeguarding life and property," he told the council.

McClary and council members said they hope the new codes will prevent fatal fires like the one that occurred last week in Jackson.

Two residents died Feb. 25 in the house fire when their only exit was blocked by flames.

Mayor Jay Knudtson said the new codes, which were reviewed and debated for two years by the city's Board of Appeals, are an "acceptable compromise" designed to ensure safety while not burdening developers and homeowners.