Home Sprinkler Law (Incubator)

The Building Code Review Board recently approved a measure calling for sprinkler systems in every newly constructed single- and two-family home and town house starting in 2012.

According to estimates gathered by the Union Leader, a sprinkler system for a 2,000-sq. ft home would cost $3,200. The National Fire Protection Association calculates the expense at approximately 1.5 percent of a home's construction costs.

There are two bills in the Legislature that would prevent the state from enforcing the measure. Opponents claim the sprinkler requirement is too expensive for homeowners and an overreach of state government. They also cite the cost-effectiveness of smoke detectors.

Supporters, including State Fire Marshal William Degnan, argue that sprinkler systems save lives.

The House is considering two bills:
HB 1486 prohibits the mandating of fire sprinkler systems in certain dwellings. This bill was recommended by the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. It's scheduled for a vote on March 10.

HB 1191 prohibits the fire code from requiring the installation of fire sprinkler systems in single or multi-family dwellings. This bill was placed in Interim Study.