Two local private schools are breathing a little easier after the city council voted to modify a proposed ordinance requiring them to install automatic sprinkler systems in portable classrooms.

Both Community Christian School and St. Joseph Catholic School were facing the need to install the expensive sprinkler systems in planned portables to meet municipal code requirements.

Complicating the situation was the discovery that current codes state all new construction must install fire sprinklers; the code did not have any specific language to address portable buildings.

Staff from Lincoln Fire Department prepared new criteria for portable buildings, which was reviewed by the city council in its first reading of the ordinance at the Tuesday meeting.

The revisions, as submitted by Lincoln Fire Chief David Whitt, would have required sprinkler systems in any portable building of more than 2,000 square feet. The portable buildings would have to be on a temporary foundation and would have to be removed within three years. A request could be made for an additional three-year extension.

“These are temporary buildings and should be kept as such,” Whitt said.

Bob White, a representative from St. Joseph, told the council members that the church’s position was that their portable building was of a style and use that should not require a sprinkler system.

“The classroom is almost like a one-room schoolhouse,” he said. “No one sleeps there or cooks there. I would urge the council to consider size and usage … there wouldn’t be a need for a sprinkler system.”

Bob Romness, the vice chairman for Community Christian School, also addressed the council.

“I would ask the council to consider the size requirement,” he said, explaining the school wants to install a triple-wide modular that would exceed the 2,000-square-foot limit.

Romness said the school has three bids for the sprinkler system, ranging from $31,000 to $63,000. A large portion of that cost is not the sprinkler system itself, but the cost of bringing water to the site.

“This is cost-prohibitive for us,” he said.

Romness added the cost of adding the sprinkler system is also an issue because the school does not consider the portable classroom on the grounds of First Baptist Church to be a permanent solution.

“This is not our permanent home,” he said. “We can’t afford our own property yet (but) we’re not planning on keeping our school there forever.”

After discussion, the council voted to change the wording of the ordinance to increase the size limit for portable buildings to 2,200 square feet and to extend the time limit to five years with another possible five-year extension.