As follow-up to a story we posted Aug. 1, 2012, Allegany County Commissioners in Cumberland, Maryland opted out of state legislation that requires automatic sprinklers in new one and two bedroom single-family homes, including manufactured and modular homes, but are considering incentives to encourage installation before the state mandate takes effect in 2015. The Cumberland Times-News reports incentives mentioned include a $500 property tax credit for three consecutive years and a free building permit, valued at approximately $500 depending upon the house size. Hoppert Builders President Dennis Hoppert told commissioners the $3,200 cost estimated by fire officials is too low. Hoppert said, “I install Ritz-Craft modular homes. On a 1,377-square-foot house, minimum $7,000. On a well system — I can show you documentation — it’s going to be a minimum, on a two-story house, $10,000.” Commissioners will consider the incentive program at next month’s meeting. As MHProNews has learned, sprinkler systems have become a hot-button issue in the MH industry.
