Sprinklers in New Homes

The State is considering requiring fire suppression sprinklers for all new houses built. The sprinkler requirement is in the model code that builders use. Unless taken out by action here in Michigan, the requirement will go into place. This has caused severe concern for non-profits because of the added cost, and Habitat for Humanity has requested that the language be removed here in Michigan.  The review committee met today.  The League provided comment expressing concerns about the mandatory sprinklers rule, including: (1) increased costs of new housing when new housing starts are so low in this hard economic time, (2) smoke detectors work well to prevent fires and causing significant new expense may not be needed, (3) false alarms or malfunctions could lead to significant water damage of properties and possessions, (4) insurance costs would rise because of the possibility of water damage and increased claims, (5) this could lead to sprinkler requirements in existing homes which would be detrimental to older urban neighborhoods.  There also is a compromise suggested that would have the sprinkler requirement only for municipal systems, and the League is opposed to that because it leads to higher costs only in urban areas.  If you wish to comment on this proposal (either supporting or opposed), you can email matsumotos@michigan.gov.