North Las Vegas: Developer must install sprinklers in homes

Diana Sahagun and Ed Koch

Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999 | 11:25 a.m.

By the narrowest of margins, a developer, whose project originally was allowed to be built without sprinklers now must install the fire-prevention devices.

The North Las Vegas City Council voted 3-2 Wednesday night to order John Laing Homes to install sprinklers in its yet-to-be-built Arbor Gate I homes in the remote northwest part of the valley.

North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon said he voted against the measure because it has been the council's policy not to force developers to install devices if the original agreement did not call for them.

Laing's original plans were OK'd before North Las Vegas city officials began last summer requiring sprinklers in remote developments because of concerns about growth straining emergency services.

Councilman John Rhodes also voted to allow the project to proceed without sprinklers. The Planning Commission on Sept. 8 had recommended the project be rejected.

Laing and his attorneys were on hand before the council Wednesday night to appeal the planning board's decision, claiming that the installation of sprinklers will drive up the cost of homes.

Estimates have been that sprinkler could add $1,500 to $2,000 to the cost of a $100,000 home.

However, it was noted at the meeting that no homes have been built, so it will not be that difficult to add sprinklers.

The project calls for the construction of 104 single-family homes on 14 acres at Hammer Lane and Decatur Boulevard -- an area where no fire station currently exists. North Las Vegas Fire Department officials estimate that it will be two years before a station can be built in that area.

Growth in North Las Vegas has put a tremendous strain on fire and emergency services, particularly on Fire Station 54, the only facility that covers a 25-square-mile area of the northwest.