For Immediate Release
6/30/09

Robbins Bill Eliminates Costly Construction Mandate

Would make home sprinkler requirement a local option

Legislation drafted by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), Senate Bill 1001, would eliminate an impending mandate that would drive up the costs of new housing and increase the burden on municipalities with existing water supply problems.

The state Department of Labor and Industry will adopt regulations implementing the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) into the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) by December 31 of this year.  The 2009 IRC contains a residential sprinkler mandate for all new home construction, which is to take full effect on January 1, 2011.

"This mandate will be a killer for the home construction business, especially in Northwestern Pennsylvania," Senator Robbins said.  "This requirement will add an extremely large cost to home prices and further sour the market.  It will have a dramatic impact on buyers and ultimately cost jobs throughout the construction industry."

Senator Robbins' bill would remove the statewide mandate and continue to allow municipal governments the option to enact the sprinkler requirement for new construction.

"This is a decision that should be left to officials at the local government level instead of imposing a statewide mandate," said Senator Robbins, who serves as the Chairman of the Local Government Commission.   "My bill doesn't bar any community from requiring sprinklers for new construction.  If municipal leaders want to impose the requirement, they will retain that option."

Based on documented statistics, the sprinkler mandate would have a limited impact on improving public safety. A 2008 study by the National Fire Protection Association showed that residents have a 99.45 percent chance of surviving a reported house fire when working smoke alarms are present.  Another study by the Pennsylvania National Association of Home Builders showed the survival rate at 99.7 percent in homes with operating smoke alarms.

"We also have to take into account many Pennsylvania homes still rely on well water, which can experience seasonal shortages," Senator Robbins said. "In addition, many communities are served by antiquated systems that are already stretched to capacity and face regular water pressure problems. A statewide sprinkler mandate would further stress those systems."

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322

Additional Information:
Veterans

 

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