Fire Sprinklers

Out of concern for public safety, several municipalities in Oregon have incentivized the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in new single family homes. Given the financial costs of such incentives, as well as the potential increase in peak water demands and the associated water supply, treatment, storage and distribution concerns, this is an issue that the LOC believes should be evaluated by individual cities. 

However, some organizations have advocated for state-wide legislation that would prohibit a municipality from charging a higher system development charge for a larger water meter if the purported purpose of the larger meter is to support a flow-through residential fire sprinkler system. These organizations will likely push for a state-wide mandate that new homes be equipped with fire sprinkler systems as well. 

The League’s Board of Directors passed a motion in December 2010 encouraging the Oregon Fire Chiefs’ Association (OFCA) to work with local cities on the important issue of residential fire sprinkler systems. 

Below is the letter the LOC wrote to the OFCA detailing the LOC's concerns with statewide mandates and any preemption of system development charges, as well as ordinances and resolutions from several municipalities that have adopted policies to incentivize the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems. Lastly, there is a document from the Oregon Building Codes Division detailing how cities can apply for a local amendment to the building code should a city want to require fire sprinklers in new residential homes.