Residential Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Summary

The Home Builders Association of Metro Denver is recommending that Commerce City amend the residential fire sprinkler requirements from the 2021 International Residential Building Code. The requirement has significantly impacted housing attainability, adding over $15,000 to the price of an average new home. The HBA argues that the requirement is not necessary, as smoke alarms and other safety measures have reduced the number of home fires and fire deaths. The HBA also notes that many other Front Range municipalities have amended or removed the residential fire sprinkler requirements from their codes.

Details

Subject

Residential Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Summary

The Home Builders Association of Metro Denver is recommending that Commerce City amend the residential fire sprinkler requirements from the 2021 International Residential Building Code. The requirement has significantly impacted housing attainability, adding over $15,000 to the price of an average new home. The HBA argues that the requirement is not necessary, as smoke alarms and other safety measures have reduced the number of home fires and fire deaths. The HBA also notes that many other Front Range municipalities have amended or removed the residential fire sprinkler requirements from their codes.

Report Date

2025-06-13

Report Type

letter

Report Title

Letter to Mayor Douglas and Members of City Council

Authoring Body

Home Builders Association of Metro Denver