Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt Sounds Off On Another Costly Mandate That Will Drive Up Consumer Costs

NORTH TONAWANDA, NY - Today Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt spoke out in opposition to a proposed rule change by the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council that would change the 2020 Residential Code of New York State to mandate automatic sprinkler systems in new construction. 

 

The changes proposed would adjust the automatic sprinkler system code to require that automatic sprinkler systems be installed in newly constructed one and two-family homes. In addition, sprinkler systems will be required if an addition is made to the home that creates a third story or if an attic is finished and made habitable. The sprinkler system will be required in all areas of the dwelling with exceptions for small closets, bathrooms, attics, and crawl spaces, and would need to have a temperature sensitivity range of 135 degrees to 225 degrees depending on the distance from a potential heat source such as an oven.

 

“Don’t forget this state is in a housing affordability crisis. Yet rather than search for common sense solutions that work for New Yorkers, unelected Albany bureaucrats are pushing another mandate that will put the opportunity of homeownership in this state even further out of reach. There is already an option to include sprinklers in homes, but the truth is most homeowners opt against it because it breaks their budget. This mandate serves no purpose other than to drive up costs and remove consumer choice,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

 

The New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) estimates this mandate could increase the cost of building a home by up to $20,000-$30,000 at a time when skyrocketing construction costs continue to make it more difficult to build and drive up the costs for homebuyers. 

 

“We need to tell Democrats in Albany enough is enough, I am calling on taxpayers to make their voices heard and sign this petition, calling on the state to strongly reconsider this mandate and the effect it will have on New Yorkers and new construction,” concluded Senator Ortt.