Adding sprinklers to new home construction increases the cost by at least $6,000, very expensive in this relatively impoverished county. It was noted that new home construction has virtually ground to a halt in the county since the requirement took effect. Manufactured home builders have been notified that new models coming into the state must be sprinklered, unless the county has opted out.
Hurlock Council Member Charles Cephas said the sprinkler law would put undue pressure on county residents. No other discussion ensued, nor was a vote taken.
In a story MHPronews posted Aug. 10, 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. At the time, the commissioners were considering offering tax and other incentives to people who would install the systems ahead of 2015 when the mandate covering the whole state would take effect, according to cumberlandtimesnews. In 2013, Dennis Hoppert said it would add $7,000 to the cost of a 1,377 square foot modular home, and $10,000 if it is a two-story home, noting the $3,200 estimate by fire officials was too low. ##
(Photo credit: wikipedia commons–sprinkler)
