February 07, 2011
By: Bruce Berry
Pennsylvania lawmakers are trying to pass an amendment that would change some of the requirements of the state's uniform construction code. But if the American Insurance Association has a say in the matter, the amendment won't go far.
According to the Gettysburg Times, the measure would make the installation of sprinklers in newly-buit homes a choice left to municipalities, not a requirement as it is now. Firefighters are opposed to the amendment, saying their removal endangers lives in the event of a fire.
The American Insurance Association agrees with the state's firefighters and issued a statement to the paper, saying, "A patchwork quilt approach to building codes will provide an uneven construction code landscape. The uniformity of the construction code ensures that all Pennsylvania residents will be treated equally and can rely on the same protections by the code."
Supporters of the amendment told the paper the mandate on sprinklers will slow the housing market because they cost too much to install.
Though not universal, the National Association of Homebuilders says most homeowners insurance companies offer discounted premium rates to people whose homes have sprinkler systems. A 2007 survey conducted by NAHB found the median price for installing sprinklers was $5,573.
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