By July, Montana homebuilders should know if they have to abide by a proposed building code that would require them to install sprinkler systems in new homes.
Judging by a meeting at Kalispell City Hall on May 21, it’s clear builders don’t want the regulation – at least not until they have time to prepare for it. They unanimously cited additional costs as the foremost reason.
The International Code Council is updating its 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), which provides the regulatory framework for building employed by many municipal, county and state governments. Among the many regulations in the code is the fire sprinkler requirement for new single-family residences, two-family residences and townhouses beginning in 2011. Across the state and nation, builders have been voicing their opposition.
David Cook, chief of the Department of Labor and Industry’s Building Codes Bureau, visited Kalispell as part of a statewide tour to listen to the concerns and suggestions of representatives from the housing industry regarding the IRC. Cook called the sprinkler code a “very polarized topic.” His department is expected to make its decision of whether to adopt the sprinkler code by July.
Cook also visited Helena, Bozeman, Missoula, Billings and Butte.
A wide array of people spoke against the fire sprinklers, or at least pleaded for more time, at the May 21 meeting in Kalispell. Opponents included representatives from the construction industry; Kalispell’s city planner; a home insurance counselor; a Habitat Humanity administrator and more. Two people spoke in favor of the regulation, including an employee of a sprinkler company. The main argument for the sprinklers is improved safety, as compared to smoke alarms.
The cost of installing the sprinkler systems ranges roughly between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot, but builders at the meeting said there are numerous hidden costs as well. Among the hidden costs are repair, water hook-up fees, maintenance and possible annual inspections to keep up with insurance requirements.
Calling the proposed sprinkler requirement “heavily burdensome,” Kalispell Chamber of Commerce President Joe Unterreiner said the added building costs would exacerbate an already bleak economic and housing landscape.
“I just don’t think the timing could be worse,” Unterreiner said.
Tony Hill, construction supervisor for Northwest Montana Human Resources, said he understands the requirement was conceived in the interest of safety, but added that the issue isn’t black and white. His agency builds affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. He is worried that additional building costs could push homes out of the affordable housing range.
At the very least, Hill said the state should wait to adopt the fire sprinkler requirement.
“I understand that this shouldn’t be just a cost issue,” Hill said. “It’s very much a life and death issue, but it’s not either, or.”
Multiple builders mentioned that technological advancements have produced very effective smoke alarm systems that have been proven to consistently work over the years. Terry Kramer, a builder, recited a story about his life being saved by a smoke alarm at his personal residence.
“Personally, I can say it worked,” Kramer said.
Tom Jentz, the city’s planning director, said the building department supports the adoption of the International Residential Code except for the sprinkler regulation. He cited the expense of water hook-up fees and questioned how the requirement would affect building outside of city limits. At this point, the city of Kalispell isn’t prepared to make the adjustment to sprinkler systems, Jentz said.
“We definitely need time because if it happens now, there’s going to be a minor train wreck,” Jentz said.