Fire-sprinkler mandate supported for new homes

WASHINGTON – Sept. 23, 2008 – On Jan. 1, 2011, fire sprinklers will be required in new one- and two-family homes and townhouses under a rule approved recently by the International Code Council that will be published in the 2009 International Residential Code.

The mandate’s supporters say it will give residents more time to exit during a fire, but the National Association of Home Builders is concerned about the higher home prices and maintenance costs that will result.

Though costs vary by community, the Fire Protection Research Foundation says sprinkler systems run an average of $1.61 per square foot of space covered.