Aldermen to examine building code's sprinkler system rule

BELOW: If you go

FREEPORT The City Council on Tuesday night will look to exclude a requirement in the new International Building Code that mandates sprinkler systems in new one- and two-family homes.

But some people, such as Ald. Mike Koester, think that decision could be a mistake.

I am not in favor of excluding it, Koester said. With the new lightweight construction homes have, under fire conditions they can collapse quite rapidly.

Koester, who served as a firefighter in Freeport for 24 years, said most insurance companies will give discounts for the sprinklers and doesnt believe it would cost too much extra to include them in new homes.

I dont think adding them would make much of a difference in homebuilding, Koester said. People arent building in Freeport anyway right now. I cant think that would be much of a determining factor in someone building a house.

Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis proposed the plan as a statewide mandate in July before withdrawing the measure a week later citing that its become clear that any proposed state rules need additional refinement.

Freeport Fire Inspector Clyde Butler believes there is a need for sprinkler systems in homes but not right now.

Since the state fire marshal backed off I dont think there is a need at this time, Butler said. Once the state is on board, it should be something that the city looks at.

Ald. Andrew Crutchfield said he doesnt feel that increasing the cost of building new homes by requiring sprinklers will be a good thing that encourages people to build new homes in the area.

Read more here:
Aldermen to examine building code's sprinkler system rule