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Home Sprinkler Law

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Home Sprinkler Law

Should the state require sprinkler systems in new homes?

Members: 9
Latest Activity: Jul 14, 2011

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.

Discussion Forum

LFDA Editor

Lynch vetoes second sprinkler-related bill

Gov. John Lynch yesterday (July 13, 2011) vetoed a second piece of legislation -- SB 91 -- that would…Continue

Tags: home sprinkler law

Started by LFDA Editor Jul 14, 2011.

LFDA Editor

Sprinkler bill veto overridden

The state and local cities and towns have lost their power to require fire suppression systems in residential homes.The House and Senate on Wednesday (June 22, 2011) overrode Gov. John Lynch's veto…Continue

Tags: sprinkler law

Started by LFDA Editor Jun 23, 2011.

LFDA Editor

Governor vetoes HB 109

Gov. John Lynch on Wednesday (June 15, 2011) vetoed the legislation that basically makes local sprinkler system laws for family residences null and void.…Continue

Tags: sprinkler law

Started by LFDA Editor Jun 16, 2011.

LFDA Editor

Fire officials: Sprinkler bill is 'power grab'

"Top Seacoast fire officials have joined others from across the state in opposition to a recently passed bill that prohibits municipalities from requiring automatic fire suppression sprinklers in…Continue

Tags: home sprinkler law

Started by LFDA Editor May 4, 2011.

 

Members (8)

LFDA Editor Cal Icon Marc Lehoullier Jay D Karen Keyes Harriet E. Cady Drew Barbara Aichinger
 
 
 

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