Builders, safety experts, debate sprinkler rules
(AP) -- DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Intense lobbying has begun in Iowa over a new state building code that will require fire sprinklers in new one-family and two-family homes starting in 2013.
Fire safety advocates say installing sprinklers during construction of houses, duplexes and townhouses will save Iowans' lives. But homebuilders say the requirement will inflate building costs and hamper Iowa's housing market.
Builders want Iowa lawmakers to use their authority to override the state building commissioner's decision before it goes into effect. Ten Iowa communities already have some sort of sprinkler mandate for one- and two-family homes: Altoona, Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines, Granger, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Urbandale and West Des Moines.
Information from: The Des Moines Register,
http://www.desmoinesregister.com
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)