Milwaukee's sprinkler system ordinance approved, reducing financial fees for building owners

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee officials met on Tuesday, Feb. 24 to talk about the ongoing issue of fire safety in the city. 

The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee discussed an ordinance that would reduce financial fees for building owners to install sprinkler systems. 

This has been a major topic of conversation over the past year, with multiple deadly fires happening at buildings without the sprinkler systems. 

"If the city can do something to help encourage landlords to actually retrofit and put in those sprinklers in their apartment buildings, that they legally are not required to do and haven't been required to do for the last 51 years, then the city should be able to lend a helping hand to these landlords, and property owners to help encourage them to do so," said Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis. 

The ordinance received support by all those in attendance at the meeting and the motion was approved. 

It's still unknown just how much money this will save property owners, but it serves as a step toward increasing public safety by incentivizing the installation of these sprinkler systems.