Ever since the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) included the provision to install fire sprinkler systems in all new single family homes, states have been working feverishly on this issue as they begin to implement code changes based on the 2009 IRC.

Over the past month, the residential building industry received a huge boost when several states addressed the sprinkler requirement issue in favor of the building industry - and protecting the consumer’s right to choose whether or not they want their home to contain fire sprinklers. Last month Texas passed its law that prohibits any jurisdiction from enacting an ordinance, bylaw, order, building code, or rule requiring the installation of a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system or any other fire sprinkler protection system in a new or existing one- or two-family dwelling. Governor Perry signed into law SB 1410, the bill giving homeowners the choice to install fire sprinklers. The passage of this bill and the Governor’s signature is directly related to the hard work by the Texas MHA working jointly with other trade groups.

More recently on July 22 the Michigan Residential Code Review Committee voted 10 to 2 to approve the code change proposal offered by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan to remove R313 from Michigan’s 2009 residential code. This removes the mandatory requirement for sprinklers under the 2009 code to a volunteer option in the state of Michigan. Over heavy opposition and lobbying by the National Fire Prevention Association, the National Fire Sprinkler Association and Michigan’s fire service community, the MMHA while working closely with Michigan Association of Home Builder’s and their respective chapters throughout the state, were able to convince the committee of how unnecessary and costly this new law would have been for future housing starting in 2012.

While Texas and Michigan were successful- not every state will likely be as successful. This issue is extremely sensitive and the mandatory sprinkler requirement has garnered much support.

A large part of the MHI and NMHC resources will be spent addressing how the industry can best approach the sprinkler issue. The association is currently working on several perspectives and would welcome your thoughts. In addition to being a construction and code issue, sprinkler requirements also stand to have an impact on the placement of homes, and could hinder the placement of newly constructed homes in rural areas.