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Saturday, January 26, 2019

County Considering Not Adhering To State Sprinkler Mandate

SNOW HILL– The Worcester County Commissioners this week agreed to draft a document that could allow single-family homes to opt out of the state’s fire sprinkler requirement.

On Tuesday, the commissioners voted unanimously to have county staff develop a new building permit that would allow those constructing single-family homes to opt out of the state requirement to install residential fire sprinklers. Since 2015, automatic fire sprinkler systems have been required in new residential dwellings.

“I believe that this is hindering building in the county,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

After becoming aware that Allegany County was not requiring sprinkler systems in new homes, the commissioners asked staff to review state law in regard to sprinkler systems. In a report provided to the commissioners in advance of Tuesday’s meeting, staff reported that Allegany County had never adopted the latest version of the International Building Code, which mandates sprinklers in new dwellings.

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9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey HOGAN REVERSE THIS .

Anonymous said...

Ridiculous requirement that hurts middle class families and hinders economic growth. From what I gather, more insurance claims are filed for busted sprinkler lines than house fires.

Anonymous said...

Try it for a year. If things pick up, you were right. If they don't, it really doesn't matter.

Anonymous said...


Friends are proceeding with plans to build a fairly large home in Worcester County. Their cost per square foot for the sprinkler system is more than 3x what the fire guy was quoting. They have city water, fire mains and a close by fire department serving their new community.

The fire guy is blowing smoke out his axe!

Anonymous said...

Culver should do this

Anonymous said...

Yes.

Anonymous said...

Finally some common sense in Snow Hill !!!
Let's do the same in Wicomico.

Anonymous said...

Nanny state....

Anonymous said...

And why was it that Worcester County agreed with imposing the new "law" to begin with? I bet someone saw some money to be made.