On January 31, 2023, Corpus Christi City Council adopted the 2021 International Fire Code with local amendments. It went into effect August 1, 2023. It contains regulations and safeguards existing high rise buildings that do not have previously approved fire sprinkler systems.
There are several high rise buildings, specifically apartments and condominiums, along North Beach that are impacted by the updated code. Las Brisas Condominiums is one of them and resident, Daniel Uhlenhake says this new fire code has raised some questions for the local Homeowners Association.
Las Brisas Condos opened in 1973. It currently has nine floors with two exterior exit stairways attached, but that does not comply with the updated code.
“Each time this fire code changes, it adds a broader spectrum and we have two external stairways that are fire escapes,” Uhlenhake said. “But if you have internal stairways, it doesn’t apply is our understanding.”
So this means Las Brisas and other high-rise buildings like it on North Beach do not meet fire code requirements. Daniel, along with other residents said this could impact their insurance or ability to sell to other buyers.