Fire safety legislation to require the installation of a fire suppression system in new single and two-family homes received final legislative approval on Thursday by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Wisniewski, Jerry Green and Mila Jasey.
“This is a simple, commonsense step that will quite simply save lives and property,” said Deputy Speaker Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). “We know these suppression systems are effective, so there’s really no reason why they shouldn’t be as commonplace in new construction as windows and doors.”
“Ensuring public safety is among our top priorities, and this would be an important step toward ensuring fire safety in new construction,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Green (D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset). “A change like this can go a long way toward saving lives of residents and firefighters, and that’s always a good thing.”
“Protecting lives is a priority,” said Jasey (D-Essex/Morris). “Making these fire suppression systems routine is quite simply the right thing to do for both our residents and firefighters.”
The bill, named the “New Home Fire Safety Act” – which was denounced last month by Senator Singer – requires the installation of a fire suppression system in new single and two-family homes. Under the bill (A-1570), a certificate of occupancy would not be issued for a new home until the state or local code enforcement agency determines that the home is equipped with a fire suppression system that conforms to State Uniform Construction Code systems promulgated by the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
The bill would exempt manufactured homes and single and two-family homes that are not connected to public water systems.
The bill permits municipalities and the Commissioner of Community Affairs to each establish a fee that covers the cost of inspection and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
The bill was approved 25-13 in the Senate and 44-30 by the Assembly in January 2013. [TLS]
sprinklers save the lives of the occupants & firefighters . win win situation proven over & over .
why as is now should only multiple family occupants & firefighters that respond be protected . think about it,
This will add $$$$ to the cost of the home, add $$$$ to the water bill due to having a “fire suppression system”, add $$$$ to shutting down a house that’s empty for the winter and has the heat turned off. NO WAY. SINGER – I’M WITH YOU ON THIS.
stupid law
Can the governor legally veto the bill?
sprinklers are known to save lives. would you rather have them or granite?
Are we to also become obligated to post an armed guard in front of our homes as it will save lives too and help the economy? Why is is enough that we have a local police department? After all those few minutes can mean the difference between life and death..
This would obviously not even be a legitimate question if not for this crazy bill mandating homeowners to pay for a sprinkler system on top of paying taxes for their local fire companies.
If you give it careful thought there’s no real difference..
just wait till it springs a leak and you have your house flooded
Sprinklers crack very easy a kid throws a ball at it or even if it’s to cold it can burst. The water damage is unreal. This is a stupid law. Just typical liberals know better then everyone. Nanny state nj.
Can anyone provide a realistic estimate of the cost to install a system in a new home?
This is an outrage! The added cost will drive new Tent City construction beyond the means of most residents there.
about $2,500 in new construction. They use pex and it is plumbed in the same system as the sinks, toilet, shower so there is no stagnent water and does not require backflow preventers or any of the stuff you find in a commercial building. No FD connection or bells and whistles.
The bright side: It saves 5-15% on most home owners insurance
When does this law take effect ??
also saves taxes as less fire personal to hire after installation is law. not too mention the lives saved.
Saving lives for only $2,500, its worth every bit of it.
Stop complaining . with a interest rate of 4.5% about $11.50 per month. As mentioned by dogo you will save $ on your insurance and of course if g-d forbid you have a fire
Oh I forgot to mention maybe there shouldn’t be a law for hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.