Dec. 2, 2008

Town hall meetings to discuss fire sprinkler code provision for new home construction

Commissioner Sviggum notes need to discuss potential changes to the building code that could affect homeowner safety and housing affordability

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Steve Sviggum will host town hall meetings in Rochester, Bemidji and St. Paul, to discuss the fire sprinkler provision that may be adopted as part of the Minnesota residential building code.

The Minnesota Building Code currently uses the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) as the base for its residential code and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will soon begin the rule adoption process for the updated residential code, which will be based on the 2009 IRC.

In September 2008, the International Code Council (ICC) voted to add the fire sprinkler provision to its 2009 IRC. This provision will require fire sprinkling in all one- and two-family homes and townhouses that build to the code as of Jan. 1, 2011. Since Minnesota amends and adopts the ICC codes to form the Minnesota Building Code, the state needs to review this fire sprinkler provision for possible inclusion when it adopts the 2009 IRC.

"The new fire sprinkler requirements will have an impact on Minnesotans," said Steve Sviggum, DLI commissioner. "I appreciate the additional safety features that residential sprinklers can provide for Minnesota families and firefighters, but I also recognize the potential of a steep price tag attached. We need to discuss the potential changes to the building code that could affect homeowner safety and housing affordability."

Commissioner Sviggum intends these meetings to be an opportunity for an objective and balanced discussion about this issue. DLI will forward any information and comments to the IRC advisory committee that will make recommendations regarding potential changes to the residential code in Minnesota.

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News media contact:
James Honerman
(651) 284-5313