Fire Sprinklers: CBIA and SFM Seek to Identify Local Installation Concerns
Following the statewide requirement for fire sprinkler systems in all new homes permitted after January 1, 2011, CBIA and the State Fire Marshal are teaming up to try and identify local “add-ons” which are costly and unwarranted.
In the case of sprinklers, a local “add-on” is an increase in the minimum construction specifications required by the state code, usually required by the local fire department. Examples include local requirements for excessively large water meters, backflow devices and large on-site water storage.
We are also looking for cases where the local water purveyor has instituted an additional hook-up fee for homes with sprinklers that lack supporting technical justification.
Lastly, we are also looking for instances where it is unclear who does the plan check/inspection (building department vs fire department) or who is allowed to design/install the system (C-16 vs C-36 contractor).
To assist in this effort, CBIA and the SFM have produced a form to assist with the processing of these local issues and concerns. This form can be accessed by clicking here.
