Changes to the Oregon Building Code were brought up at this week’s meeting of Fire Marshals. The new code could require sprinkler systems in all new buildings. “When we first developed this complex, we made a decision at the time going to put sprinklers in even though they were not required for safety reasons,” says Gary Everett, Owner and Developer of Empire Village.

He didn’t have to, but he made the costly decision to install sprinklers in each unit. “Low and behold, we had a fire, the sprinklers put it out immediately we had several major savings in expenses and repairs, it maybe even saved a life,” says Everett.

That’s why the Bend Fire Department is supporting the adoption of a residential sprinkler ordinance. “State of Oregon’s building code division has been working with the Oregon Fire Services and Oregon Homebuilders Association,” says Gary Marshall, Deputy Fire Marshall with Bend Fire.

The rule would require all new residential construction to put sprinkler systems in homes, apartments, and duplexes. “This will not effect homes that are already occupied, this will not effect subdivisions that already have plotted lots, it would only be for new subdivisions,” says Marshall.

Current State codes don’t allow any local agencies to enforce regulations to include sprinkler. Builders want to keep it that way. “It’s going to add 2-3 to 5 thousand dollars per residential unit if the mandate comes through,” says Andy High with Central Oregon Builders Association.

For some, that additional cost is nothing compared to saving a life. “You can’t put a value on life and I think its important to have it its better management as far as insurance,” says Everett.

To read the full article click here.