Home Sprinkler Law

Gov. John Lynch on July 13, 2011 vetoed legislation that prohibits cities and towns from requiring sprinkler systems in certain residential dwellings.

Both the Republican-controlled House and Senate had passed the bill, SB 91.

This is on top of a House-generated bill -- HB 109 -- he vetoed in June, which was overridden. HB 109, like the Senate version, prohibits communities from mandating sprinklers in homes.

In December of 2009, the Building Code Review Board 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.

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.

In March 2010, the House passed HB 1486, a bill that prohibits the state from mandating of fire sprinkler systems in certain dwellings and establishes a committee to study municipal residential fire sprinkler requirements.

The Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee recommended the passage of HB 1486 and it was passed by the full Senate on May 12, 2010.

Two other states, California and New Jersey, have sprinkler mandates. Seven others have legislated against sprinklers.