Press Room

Pennsylvania now requires all newly-constructed townhouses to contain a residential fire sprinkler system (as of January 1, 2010) and will mandate those systems in all newly constructed one- and two-family homes effective January 1, 2011.

By approving regulation #12-89, Pennsylvania adopted the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), which is the country’s primary building code. This regulation adopting the IRC and its residential fire sprinkler requirements was approved by the Pennsylvania Independent Review Commission in a vote on December 10, 2009. This adoption of the IRC updates the Uniform Construction Code in the state.

There has been much debate in Harrisburg about these new regulations. The builders are concerned about the additional cost, especially in this housing market downturn. They also point out that the greatest danger of fire is not in new construction, which already is extensively regulated, but in old housing stock. Fire fighters and the sprinkler industry tout the safety margin these sprinkler systems provide. While the debate goes on in Harrisburg, the regulations are being implemented by builders in Superior's service territory.