19:56
societynews[dot] org
HARTFORD, Connecticut – almost three dozen States have rejected the idea of requiring sprinkler systems in homes by promulgating laws or regulations which prohibit the installation mandatory.
Home Builders, still reeling from the recession, say that require sprinkler I will add to their costs. They found allies in legislatures and regulatory bodies that have turned aside arguments by fire safety officials requiring sprinklers in homes save lives.
The National Association of Home Builders has not taken a position on State action prohibiting mandatory sprinklers in homes, said program manager Steve Orlowski, but the group claimed that installing residential sprinklers should be up to homeowners.
Either through legislation or code, 34 States have prohibited compulsory residential sprinklers, Orlowski said. Only two States — California and Maryland — have adopted codes that require the installation of sprinklers in homes, he said.
In other States, sprinkler legislation has died or is pending until next year, according to the National Conference of State legislatures.
Connecticut, for example, is returned to action until next year. A measure requiring automatic fire-fighting systems in one-and two-family homes failed to make it to a vote of the Committee of public safety and fire safety.
Senator Anthony Guglielmo, Republican Senator of the positioning of the Committee, said lawmakers do not have enough information about the cost to manufacturers and municipalities would enforce the law. Lawmakers will take up the issue next year only after hearing the recommendations of officials and others brought together by the Department of public safety, he said.
International Code Council, an organization of construction inspectors, fire officials and others who set construction standards, recommended in 2009 which States and municipalities adopt codes requiring sprinkler systems in homes and townhouses of less than three stories high. The regulation entered into force on 1 January.
The National Fire Protection Association said sprinklers will contribute in particular to children, the elderly and the disabled by giving them time to escape by burning the houses.
Opponents to require sprinklers mentioning their cost — and the consequent impact on House prices — and voter dissatisfaction with government mandates.
Missouri lawmakers extended for eight years rules requiring manufacturers to offer but does not mandate sprinklers.
"Our main concern in this housing market, is that the requirement for mandatory sprinklers could cost $ 7,000 to $ 15,000 at home," said Eric Schmitt Missouri state senator, Republican Chairman of jobs, economic development and local Government Committee. "In this market, it is very difficult to justify."
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch tried to auction legislation that banned local planning boards that require sprinkler systems in homes as a condition of approval for permits. The decision about whether to require sprinklers must be a local, Lynch said.
Lawmakers overrode the veto.
Senator John s. Barnes, Republican Chairman of the municipal Public Affairs Committee, said that the vote to override was not easy, because he typically favors local control. But does not believe that any government body should be ordering homeowners to install sprinklers.
"Whether to purchase or build a House, I think I have to decide if I put in an irrigation system," he said.
John a. Viniello, President of the National Fire Sprinkler, said the process by which the codes are approved is defective. Codes that regulate the wiring, construction and other aspects of home building are informed by the opinion of an expert from industry and others, he said.
But when legislatures have a role in the process, too often are modified codes or sunk, he said.
"Once the politicians involved, is finished," he said.
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