Happy Monday, May 21 from the desk of Realtor Robin Tucker

We hope you are enjoying the wonderful weather in the Greater Cedar Rapids area.

On Sunday, we conducted an Open House from 2-4 pm at 290 Indiandale Road SE.  This is wonderful property for $237,200 per month.  The owners will also consider lease terms on this property.

Robin Tucker serve with fellow Realtors on the Government Affairs Committee.  This month's meeting was held on Monday, May 21st in the morning.  The Committee heard from and asked questions to the following candidates for Linn County Auditor. Joel Miller (incumbent), Brian Gradoville and Jim Houser, who all are running in the June 5Th Democrat Primary for Auditor.  A Republican candidate will face the winner in the November 6th General Election in Linn County.

After the CRAAR Government Affairs meeting, we meet with a local commerical banker to discuss matters in our local community. 

At Noon, Robin attended his weekly Rotary Club meeting.  Monday's program was on Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. 

RYLA is a leadership training program sponsored by Rotary International that promotes, encourages and rewards outstanding young people.

Area sophomores and juniors can apply to attend the RYLA leadership training program that will be held at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Sundary July 15 to Friday, July 20, 2012.

Rotary International is an organization of business and professional people united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage ethical standards in all voacations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

The Week of April 16, 2012: Real Estate, Rotary and Community

Windy weather and plenty of work ahead for the Week of April 16th ...
Our local association of REALTORS meets ever third Wednesday of the month for lunch. Various programs on a variety of real estate related topics are discussed monthly. This month's spotlight should be very interesting.

CRAAR April Real Estate Today Show

Agenda: Working with Physical Disabilities: Become aware of how to work with hearing and visually impaired clients

Featured Speakers: Babs Haggin, Iowa Realty and Jonathan Ice, Rehabilitation Teacher, Iowa Department for the Blind

Monday morning: Government Affairs meeting with members of the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors looking at local, statewide and national issues.

Attending my weekly Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting. This week's program is on Linn County Conservation efforts.

April 17Th is Federal Tax Day

April 18Th will attend CRAAR monthly luncheon and at 5:30 pm, the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission holds its monthly meeting.

April 19Th is Patriots' Day in America.

A system of signals and word-of-mouth communication set up by
the colonists was effective in forewarning American volunteer militia men of the
approach of the British troops. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's
Ride" tells how a lantern was displayed in the steeple of Christ Church on the
night of April 18, 1775 as a signal to Paul Revere and others.

One if by land, and two if by sea;

And I on the opposite shore will be,

Ready to ride and spread the alarm

Through every Middlesex, village and farm,

For the country folk to be up and to arm.

If we can be of help to you for your real estate buying or selling needs, please let us know.

Tommy Tucker Realty Realty Co. has been licensed in the practice of real estate in Iowa, since 1958. We provide services in property management and general brokerage.

Happy Tax Day to all: April 18, 2011

It's Federal Tax Day today, Monday, April 18, 2011, since Washington D.C. had a Holiday on the 15Th this year. It's also a beginning of a Full Moon.

This morning, the radio was at 3Rd Street East and the underpass of I-380 for the beginning of demolition for the new Events Center in Cedar Rapids.

City Hall to Start Demolition at Convention Complex Site on April 18 - KCRGTV9

We attended our monthly local Realtor Government Affairs meeting this morning. Good lively conversation on a variety of issues.

• Congress and President's Obama repeal of the 1099 Landlord Reporting Law



• Update on various RPAC events and fundraising



• The Chair asked a short report on the Charter Review Commission, which I and 12 other citizens were appointed to. Work will be from May 5, 2011 to August 15, 2011



• We discussed the upcoming May 3Rd LOSST votes for Linn County, including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins and Fairfax



• Chapter 29 lawsuit update that will be held April 22Nd at 11 a.m. in Linn County Court - local landlords are suing the City of Cedar Rapids over Chapter 29



• Discussed the Melrose Avenue matter in the City of Iowa City



• Discussed the Mortgage Interest Deduction and the proposed $40 dues increase from the National Association of Realtors for all members



• Discussed the local sign ordinances for Cedar Rapids and Marion

At Noon, attended the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program from Jim Schnoebelen and Dave Elgin on Transportation, with an update on the Highway 100 extension for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Other notes for the week of April 18, 2011

• 4/18, Passover



• 4/18, Revolutionary War began on this date in 1775



• 4/22, Good Friday, our offices will be formally closed for our work families to enjoy the Easter holiday with family and friends



• 4/24, Easter

Have a great week! If you are traveling, be careful, take it easy and play it safe!

ttrco

Downtown redevelopment and the new proposed Medical District for Cedar Rapids

We attended Tuesday night's Medical District meeting at the Museum of Art. It was very well attended event. It was nice to see those concerned about the closing of Second Avenue SE for two blocks, those concerned about Historical buildings and those interested in our community planning process and what will make up the proposed district.

The Downtown Framework plan and the plans of PCI expanding operations into one campus are exciting for Cedar Rapids. However, much is misunderstooded at times. Information in the media has been wrong at times. Hindsight being 20/20 likely would say the process should have been handled differently.

Medical mall parking concerns council members - The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS — The City Council could re-examine parking requirements in the proposed medical district, including plans for a medical mall that call for demolishing a nearly century-old church. A standing-room-only crowd of more than 150 people filled the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art auditorium last night to voice their opinions on the forthcoming medical [...]

[PDF] CEDAR RAPIDS File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View 18 cedar Rapids Framework Plan create a vibrant cohesive downtown character that diversifies the urban fabric, reconnects east and west, and accommodates ...www.cedar-rapids.org/.../floodrecoveryplanning/.../REPORT.11.01.09%20framework%

An early plan was released in May 2007. But, the revision above came in December 2008, after the historic flood of 2008 in Downtown Cedar Rapids. Ironically, the talk now is all about the Medical District. But, the original framework plan was about more than one more self-sustaining taxing district for the core of Cedar Rapids.

• Taxing Districts


• Destination Districts for Downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas

The City should consider looking at it in two parts, rather than 50 blocks that will make up the new proposed Medical SSMID. The consumer side should be seeing multiple destination districts, within the two SSMID districts that make up Downtown Cedar Rapids.

What is a SSMID?

[PDF] SSMID Frequently Asked Questions What is a SSMID? A “self ... File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View

Several communities in Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Davenport, Des .... the new SSMID Downtown District organization. ...

Cedar Rapids Medical District MedQuarter: New Name For "The Cedar Rapids Medical SSMID". Streetscape. December 3, 2010: Cedar Rapids, IA – A new name has been adopted for the emerging ...

The original plan in 2007 called for multiple districts. But, we appears to be focusing solely on the taxing districts, rather the broader community discussion that should be about the multiple districts (i.e. Destination Districts) that fall within both SMMID districts, the proposed and our current Downtown SMMID.

The proposed districts from page 6 the May 2007 framework plan were as following:

• Cultural District


• Medical District


• Industrial District


• Commercial District


• Collegiate District


• Municipal District


• Warehouse District

While the December 2008 framework plan expands on the original framework plan, brought out by the City's response to the aftermath of the Flood of 2008. Not incorporating the subcategories found in the two SSMID groups is something we hope the community may relook at the above language used in the original framework plan. After all, as Reatlors we want as we take from part of our [PDF] Preamble ...

Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment...

ttrco

Happy President's Day: Government Affairs and Realtor Bus-In to Capitol Hill in Des Moines highlight the start of the week

Our Government Affairs committee as part of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors met with Len Sandler, with the University of Iowa and with four law students to discuss the recommended changes in Chapter 69 of the municipal code of Cedar Rapids.

The main discussion was on adding Lawful Source of Income to the Civil Rights Protections in Cedar Rapids, in the areas of protection for Housing. The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is recommended updated protections in the area of Familial Status, Gender Identity, Marital Status, Mental Disability, Association, Retaliation, as well as Lawful Sources of Income.

Realtors from all across the State of Iowa will bus-in to Des Moines on Tuesday to visit with State Legislators, as well as a visit with other members of State Government. This is our annual bus-in for 2011.

At Noon on Monday, Ted Townsend & Richard Pankey presented a Cedar Rapids Medical District Update to members of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids. Robin Tucker is a third generation Rotarian, with the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids. Both his grandfather and father were members. His father, Tommy, is still an active Rotarian for over 45 years now. Robin joined Rotary in 1989.

At Rotary, the news mentioned that the City of Cedar Rapids has determined the language and breakdown for the proposed extension of the Local Option Sales Tax for 20 years through 2034. The Council will tackle the proposal and likely move it for a May 3Rd public measure at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

On Tuesday, the City Council will also have a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2012 City Budget, as well as the ten year Capital Improvement Budget. The City Council regularly meets twice a month in Cedar Rapids.

We currently have houses for rent in Cedar Rapids, as well as houses for sale in the greater Cedar Rapids area. Are you looking for something in 2011? Please contact us, if we can be of assistance for your property management and real estate brokerage needs.

ttrco

Attended Government Affairs Meeting for January 24, 2011 at CRAAR

1. Introductions and update on the Chamber Government Affairs meeting on Friday was presented


2. IAR Bus-In Day is February 22


3. New Business


4. Old Business


5. IAR Video Conference

• Recap of Chamber Legislative update


• Sen Rob Hogg's promotion of Flood Control for Community legislation was mentioned again


• We discussed the local ordinance change on Chapter 69 of the municipal code, which covers our local civil rights laws


• Some discussion on Government Leases and Crime Free Leases

First IAR Video Conference of the 2011 Iowa Legislative Session

• Children in need of assistance - impacts of a Meth House and proposed legislation. What will the impact be on property owners, including Landlords


• Minnesota adopted a strict bill that lead to occupancy being pulled, foreclosure


• SF 24 - Mandates for home inspectors to be licensed in Iowa


• Property Taxes - Iowa House has proposed legislation


• Schools and Mental Health expenses being shifted to State to relieve property taxes?


• State Boards and Commissions


• Realtor proposed legislation: unlicensed, out of state companies doing business in Iowa

ttrco

Government Affairs: Local, State, Federal issues

On Friday, December 3Rd, the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce hosted a Government Affairs meeting, sponsored by Rockwell Collins. Robin Tucker, Realtor® with Tommy Tucker Realty Co. was among the attendees.

Several local state legislators were in attendance, as a room full of Chamber members, city and county elected officials had a conversation on the upcoming 2011 Legislative Session in Iowa, as well as local priorities and/or concerns.

• A review of the 2010 election, where a new governor (GOP) was elected, 60 GOP (22 new GOP members) to 40 DEM in the House and 26 DEM/24 GOP in the Senate


• One question asked, how should one best contact you as a member of the Legislature? Which led to an interesting conversation on the importance of building "relationships" whether discussing politics or in any aspect of life or business


• Flood mitigation (walls/levies) and upstream retention was discussed


• Concerns over Iowa's current property tax system, especially the impact on commercial/industrial taxes


• Home rule and the City of Cedar Rapids' need for more revenue steams


• Future of Vision Iowa


• Parking garage for new Federal court house - funding sources for the City?


• How will Cedar Rapids fund flood mitigation (walls/levies) - proposed bill and using Sales Tax revenue, similar to the City of Newton in it's recovery, after Maytag moved out


• Raising the hotel/motel tax from 7% to 9% - goal of local visitor's bureau


• The local visitor's bureau commented that 70% of the visitors to our area are from out of state - study concluded


• Frustration of State Government - 99 counties, lack of accountability and/or innovation, number of school districts and reason for the outcome of the 2010 elections ...

It was an interesting 90 minutes or less. Five members of the Linn County delegation in Des Moines were present. House members: Nick Wagner, Tyler Olson, Renee Schulte and Kraig Paulsen. Senate member: Rob Hogg was present

Sen. Hogg indicated he had one priority in 2011 for upcoming session: flood mitigation and upstream retention. All five members in attendance were re-elected in 2010. It is likely Rep. Paulsen will be the next Speaker of the House in the Iowa Legislature. The house was previously 56 DEM/46 GOP prior to the 2010 elections.

After the Realtor Government Affairs breakfast on Wednesday with the same five legislators, it was interesting to view the discussion at the Chamber event.

ttrco

Robin Tucker is attending our Realtor Legislative Breakfast as we welecome the first day of December 2010

We want to welcome the month of December to all. Busy morning, with the Realtor Legislative Breakfast for our local association. We are meeting with local legislators, ahead of the next session of the Iowa Legislature in January 2011. Then, off to a walk through with our new residents of a five bedroom executive home in NE Cedar Rapids.

If we can be of assistance to you this Holiday season, please let us know. ~ Robin Tucker

ttrco

Health Care Reform will impact Small Business America with increased IRS 1099 reporting

Today's hot political affairs topic, from a meeting we attended this morning is HR. 5297. Here's the update we received:

Update on IRS 1099 Reporting Requirement

Many of you may have seen an email from ASAE on the IRS 1099 Reporting Requirement. NAR (National Association or Realtors) has been working on this issue and wanted to provide you with a legislative update.

The health care legislation enacted earlier this year included a controversial and burdensome new requirement, effective in 2012, that would require all businesses to provide IRS 1099 information returns to any vendor (and to the IRS) when the business makes payments of more than $600 to the vendor in any calendar year. This 1099 reporting provision came out of nowhere in the final days of the health care debate.

No sooner was the ink dry on the bill itself than efforts began to repeal the new 1099 rule. Many REALTOR organizations are aware that ASAE is among the groups opposing the new rule. NAR has signed on to the ASAE letter to signal its opposition to the 1099 reporting requirement. When Congress reconvenes in mid-September, among the pending bills is a small business bill (HR 5297) that includes a modest tax title. (The bill has several non-tax provisions that NAR fully supports.) HR 5297 is expected to be brought up some time during the week of September 13.

When the Senate considers HR 5297, there will be a two-part amendment procedure related to the 1099 requirement. The first part will be an amendment that would completely repeal the 1099 requirement. That effort is expected to fail. The second will be an amendment offered by Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) and Finance Chairman Baucus (D-MT) and others. That amendment would limit the application of the 1099 reporting requirement so that only employers with more than 25 employees would be subject to the 1099 reporting requirement. Further, only payments of more than $5000 would have to be reported. That amendment is expected to pass.

While the full repeal has broad support among ASAE members and in the small business community, we would anticipate that the 25 employee threshold would mean that most local boards and many state associations would be exempt from the reporting requirement. Similarly, the 25 employees threshold should provide adequate relief for most of our members. (Real estate sales agents are independent contractors, and so would not be included as employees of their respective brokers.) The $5000 threshold for reporting will also provide substantial relief to members and to associations.

At such time as HR 5297 (with some sort of 1099 amendment) achieves final passage in the Senate, it will have to go back to the House. The House version of the bill is substantially different from the Senate version. The House will then have two choices: It may simply pass the Senate version of the bill and send it on to the President, or it may request a conference between the House and Senate to reconcile their different versions of the bill. (Note that a conference would involve at least 4 different committees, so could be a cumbersome process.) We presently have no prediction of which option the House would choose. Congress plans to adjourn for the election on October 8. A post-election lame duck session has already been announced, so this 1099 issue may remain unresolved for a few months.

Note that the IRS has made public statements that it does not have adequate capacity to process all of the 1099s that would be filed if the health care bill's reporting requirement remains in the law as originally enacted. The IRS public statement should bolster the effort to eliminate or significantly narrow the application of the new reporting provision before it comes into effect in 2012

*** *** ***

HR 5297 Hits Turbulence in Senate‎ - National Underwriter Life and Health Insurance News
Backers of HR 5297, the Small Business Jobs Act bill, today had trouble getting the bill to the Senate floor. Members of the Senate voted ...

Who's Really Leaving Small Business Behind?‎ - Shopfloor

This bill will increase paperwork on the backs of an economy that is witnessing poor job growth, high unemployment and increasing strains on the American Dream and on Main Street.

ttrco

Attended CRAAR Government Affairs meeting this morning

The Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors® meeting this morning hosted Linn County District 1 Supervisor candidate Dennis Petersen as a speaker for our June Government Affairs meeting. Candidate information on incumbent Lu Barron and Dennis Petersen, who will face off in the November 2, 2010 general election.

Further, we discussed the pending City of Cedar Rapids changes on Chapter 29, which will have a first reading on Tuesday, June 22Nd. Many in the housing community have concerns with some of the language proposed.

A common theme among Realtors: "Now, personally I believe landlords need to take more responsibility for the folks they rent to and a form of this needs to be implemented, but this just goes too far," a fellow Realtor suggested today.

Our company has been using a Crime Free Lease Addendum for eight or nine years now. We recommend it to our clients. We have concerns over the recommended form and mandate by the City of Cedar Rapids, however.

For more information on the Iowa Property Owners Alliance organization, click here.

ttrco

Attended monthly CRAAR Government Affairs meeting this morning

Republican 2Nd Congressional candidate Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks was our guest at our May Government Affairs meeting for the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors®.

• She spoke on her background, along with Realtor issues, including the 2008 response by our current representative in Congress to the Flood of 2008 in our District. She primarily took questions and had a conversation with Realtors in attendance.
  

The primary in the State of Iowa for both Democrat and Republican candidates will be held on Tuesday, June 8Th. Auditors' offices in each county in Iowa will be open for absentee voting on the next two Saturday's ahead of the June 8Th primary.

After discussions with Dr. Miller-Meeks on various topics, our committee visited a little about some local issues coming up in our community...

• 13 year low in new mortgages locally
• Editorial on FHA and mortgages
• Small Business Recovery
• Flood Recovery in Housing - impacted Realtor® commented
• PCI project and impact to Downtown and community in closing 2Nd Avenue SE from 10Th to 12Th streets
• Proposed changes in Chapter 29

ttrco

Our local Realtor® Government Affairs meeting for Apirl 2010

We will meet with one of the candidates for U.S. Congress in the 2Nd Congressional District. This month's special guest is Steve Rathje, who is one of the four candidates for the Republican nomination. The primary will be held on Tuesday, June 8Th in the State of Iowa and in the 2Nd District. In May, our committee is scheduled to meet with Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, one of the other candidates.

Iowa Property Owners Alliance - Home
Information for Iowa property owners. Resources, legislation, and legal updates. Contact Iowa legislators regarding property ownership in Iowa.

Recent Legislation in the State of Iowa
Realtors are often involved in the community at the local, State and even Federal level regarding property rights and affordable housing. Robin Tucker participated in the 2010 Realtor Bus-In held during the 2010 Iowa Legislative Session that ended in March 2010.

ttrco

Attended the March Government Affairs Meeting of the CRAAR

Robin Tucker attended the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors® this morning at 8:30 a.m. at the Association's conference room.

• Meeting with Federal Candidates discussed
• RPAC
• Federal Hill Visits
• IAR Video Call on State Legislation update
• House will hopefully work on Private Transfer Fees this week as the State Legislature works to close out the Legislation Session by the end of the month: Budget
• Discussed legislation that have passed and failed
• Chapter 29 and other local public policy issues

ttrco

Meet with fellow Realtors® ahead of Iowa Association of Realtors® Legislative Bus In Day

How a Bill Becomes a Law
Hill Notes

2010

The 2010 Iowa Legislature

Legislative Resources

• Iowa Legislature


• US Senate


• US House of Representatives


• Iowa Real Estate Commission

The top issues for this year's Bus-In

• Fire Sprinkler Legislation - HF 2062/SF 2051


• Private Transfer Fees


• Tenant-Landlord Issues


• Right to Work


• The State Budget

We had our final Monday morning Legislative teleconference this morning ahead of tomorrow's Bus In Day. Legislative issues are important and Realtors are involved at the grassroots level locally, statewide and in Washington DC.

ttrco

Attended CRAAR Government Affairs meeting this morning

Happy Presidents' Day everyone!

We attended the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors Government Affairs meeting this morning.

Listen to fellow Realtors speak about the City's Open House #2: Urban Design Concepts. After the meeting, we searched the City web site and noticed this PDF file on SMID Commission strategy. The City of Cedar Rapids is planning an Open House on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.

During today's meeting Lobbyist Jen Kingland gave an update on a variety of State Legislative issues, after last week's funnel date. Discussion included a variety of legislative issues, but was not limited to Flood Disclosure, CO2 mandates, Private Transfer Fees, handling of felonies, Mechanic Liens, Fire Sprinklers, Escrow licensing, Right to Work and Fair Share, SSB 3176, Landlord eviction legislation, Training rules for Lead, Radon, Meth disclosure and we closed with the texting while driving legislation.

ttrco

Attended CRAAR Legislative Breakfast this morning with fellow Realtors in Cedar Rapids

Four area legislators visited with fellow Realtors in Cedar Rapids this morning at a Legislative Breakfast at the Longbranch put on by the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors.

Thanks to Senators Wally Horn and Rob Hogg and to House members Tyler Olson and Kirsten Running-Marquart for their participation today.

There is a lot of work ahead in the State of Iowa and locally with the budget gap and flood/disaster recovery. Further, concerns were voiced on housing affordability from impact fees and new mandates on housing.

ttrco

Good morning - November 16, 2009

Attended the Government Affairs Committee meeting of the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors® this morning. We were scheduled to meet with Iowa House District 33 candidates, Josh Thurston and Kirsten Running-Marquardt, who will be involved in a special election for November 24, 2009 to replace Dick Taylor (Dem.), who is stepping down from State House 33.

ttrco

Member of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors

Robin Tucker, Broker/Officer with Tommy Tucker Realty Co. will meet with area brokers at a Brokers Meeting as part of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors this morning. Robin Tucker is currently serving on the Government Affairs and the Professional Standards committees of the CRAAR.

ttrco

Government Affairs Committee meets with candidate Aaron Saylor this morning

Robin Tucker is back in the office after his trip to Council Bluffs last week for the Iowa Association of Realtors® Convention. Sadly, Robin was exposed to a bug and has been down for a couple of days trying to avoid passing it on to colleagues, clients and customers this week.

Robin Tucker attended a special Government Affairs meeting of the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors® this morning. We meet with Cedar Rapids City Council at Large candidate Aaron Saylor, who is running for public office on November 3, 2009. http://www.saylorforcedarrapids.org/ Previously, we have meet with two of the three candidates for Mayor for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Robin Tucker's Government 101 basics was mentioned in the Q&A. It was nice to see a fellow Realtor® pick up on that comment today.

• Public Safety
• Public Infrastructure
• Delivery of Public Services
• Finance
• Parks

ttrco

Goverment Affairs Meeting for September 2009 ...

Robin Tucker serves on the Government Affairs committee of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors. Our meeting for September 2009 will focus on two subjects.

• The Mayor's Race: we will visit with Mayoral candidate, Brian Fagan. Our committee has already met with Mayoral candidate, Ron Corbett.


• We will meet with a member of the Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association regarding proposed regulations by local municipalities for sprinkler systems for certain new single family construction.

Background information from the City of Cedar Rapids on the sprinkler systems:

SPRINKLER DISCUSSIONS WITH HOME BUILDERS
Fire prevention bureau personnel continue discussions with the Greater
Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association (HBA) about the proposed
residential sprinkler ordinance that could be included in the International
Residential Code on January 1, 2011. Fire Code Division and Code Enforcement
Division representatives have been meeting with the HBA
about possible amendments to the residential sprinkler code. Discussions
over the past three months have included devising a sprinkler requirement
for residential properties over a certain square footage. The
fire department has extensively researched the issue and has presented a
time-based rationale for fire escape in dwellings over a certain square
footage or based on occupancy. It takes a longer period of time for a
resident to escape for a larger square footage home, for example, and
longer for the firefighters to perform search and rescue.
Cedar Rapids is the only jurisdiction in Iowa that has been actively engaging
both the fire and code enforcement officials with the local Home
Builders Association to discuss sprinkler ordinance impacts. Further, the
metro area has been participating in the discussions, including Marion
and Hiawatha fire and code officials. The fire departments have a vested
interest in life safety and receiving feedback about HBA impacts.

You can follow Realtor® Robin Tucker on Twitter.

ttrco