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Bill might delay Pa. mandate for sprinklers

A new building code began requiring the systems in all new townhouses this year

By Carl Lindquist
The York Dispatch

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania homebuilders could get a one-year reprieve from a controversial mandate that will require sprinkler systems in new duplexes and single-family homes.

A new building code began requiring the systems in all new townhouses this year. The mandate applies to new single-family homes and duplexes beginning in 2011.

But the state Senate last week approved a bill that would delay the requirement for single-family homes and duplexes until December 2011. It now goes to the state House for approval.

The House earlier this year unanimously approved the bill, but without the sprinkler language, so the chamber must agree to the changes before it can go to Gov. Ed Rendell for his signature.

The bill, as passed by the House, would impose new requirements on municipal appeals boards that hear matters relating to the state’s building code.

The Senate vote drew applause from the Pennsylvania Builders Association, which contends the requirement will add thousands of dollars to the cost of new homes.

Option: The group wants homeowners to be given a choice to install the systems. Under the Senate-passed legislation, builders would be required to offer buyers a choice until the mandate takes effect.

“We’ve never been opposed to the sprinklers,” said Builders Association spokeswoman Melissa Etshied. “What we are opposed to is government mandating them since they add cost to a new home. And the housing market is in a terrible state.

“What we had proposed and what we’re comfortable with is requiring builders to offer them.”

Advocates say the sprinklers will save people’s homes from fire and prevent death or injury among firefighters and residents.

Twelve senators, including state Sen. Mike Waugh, R-Shrewsbury, voted against the Senate legislation. He could not be reached for comment.

Needed: Hellam Fire Co. Chief Matt Dube said he believes the mandate should take effect as scheduled at the beginning of the year.

“I think it’s essential for the new homes and the new way they’re being put together, with the lightweight construction and all,” he said.

He acknowledges the systems will increase the price of a home, but said it’s well worth it in the end if the sprinkler system saves the entire house from going up in flames. It can save the lives of residents and firefighters, he said.

“I think it’s a great thing,” he said. “They need to move forward with it.”

Prospect: It’s unclear whether the House will take up the bill before the session ends.

“We need to review what the Senate did to the bill, take a look at their changes and confer with our caucus to determine what type of support the amended bill might have,” said Brett Marcy, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne.

If it doesn’t come up before the session ends, it will have to be reintroduced and go through the entire approval process.

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