Round Rock officials are considering updates to the city ordinance that would require monitored fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and carbon monoxide monitoring systems in new and existing 24-hour commercial animal housing and care facilities. The proposed updates come in response to a November 2021 fire at the Ponderosa Pet Resort in nearby Georgetown.
If approved, any new businesses offering animal boarding for more than 24 hours would be required to have a sprinkler system and carbon monoxide detector regardless of the facility’s size. Existing businesses will also be required to add monitored fire alarm systems. If they expand to add square footage, the addition of a sprinkler system is also required.
The proposed ordinance does not impact residential animal care, and if approved, animal care facilities would have a period of two years to comply with the ordinance to allow these businesses to budget for, plan and install the new systems.
The Round Rock City Council will consider the ordinance for its first reading on March 23.
