Extinguishing Costly Fire Sprinkler Mandate

HBA: HBA of Delaware

Category: Government Affairs

Location: Dover, Del.

Size: State Association

Year: 2023

The HBA of Delaware (HBADE) organized a coalition of members, affordable housing groups, other local trade associations, local economic development groups, and the largest fire department in New Castle County to fight against an ordinance that would mandate residential fire sprinklers in all new construction.

A proposed ordinance was introduced in New Castle County that would make residential fire sprinklers a requirement in all new construction. The ordinance would add $8,000 - $10,000 to the cost new construction, jeopardizing housing affordability in the state. In addition, New Castle is the most influential county in Delaware and if passed, would lead to other counties adopting the ordinance.

The HBAs goal was to defeat the adoption of the ordinance to keep construction costs down and educate city council members and the public on sprinkler systems. In response, the HBA created a coalition to demonstrate that home builders are not the only stakeholders concerned about the costly mandate. The coalition agreed that such a costly addition to a home should be the choice of the consumer. Armed with data and the support of coalition partners, the HBA was able to defeat the fire sprinkler ordinance by a vote of eight to five.