House Approves the Repeal; Senate Yet to Consider the Legislation
State House members have voted to reverse a January 1, 2011, mandate that requires fire-suppression sprinklers in all new Pennsylvania homes. The state Senate has not yet taken up the measure. The new House rule affects one and two-family homes. Sprinklers will continue to be required in larger buildings. Builders would still have to offer the systems and explain their benefits. Homebuyers who opt out will have to add more fireproof materials to their floors. Twenty-four states now base their building codes on the Uniform Construction Code. But just one – California – will have an active sprinkler requirement if the Pennsylvania law is repealed.
Peter Wilson is a shareholder and member of the firm’s Real Estate Group. Contact Peter to discuss all matters relating to residential and commercial real estate. Peter may be reached at 717-763-1383, ext. 127, or at pwilson@reageradlerpc.com.