Residential Fire Sprinkler Mandate
The New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council has considered proposals to mandate automatic fire sprinkler systems in all newly constructed one- and two-family homes. New York already requires builders to disclose the availability, costs, and benefits of sprinkler systems so homebuyers can make informed decisions.
During the most recent code update, the Council reviewed the proposal and ultimately removed it, keeping residential fire sprinkler systems optional for new one- and two-family homes under three stories.
LIBI’s Position
LIBI supports strong fire safety standards grounded in data and real-world outcomes. This
includes working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, modern building and electrical codes, and responsible enforcement of existing safety requirements. LIBI supports transparency and consumer choice, which current disclosure requirements already provide.
LIBI opposes a blanket sprinkler mandate for one- and two-family homes. Builders estimate such a requirement would add $20,000–$30,000 per home, increasing prices by 3–5% at a time when affordability is already strained. Home prices have risen over 41% since 2019, and the median new home price now exceeds $600,000—well beyond the reach of most New York families.
Data shows that fire fatalities overwhelmingly occur in older housing stock, while there have been no reported fire fatalities in new one- or two-family homes built after 2000. Rather than imposing an unfunded mandate with limited safety benefit, LIBI believes the State should focus on enforcing existing safety measures, improving protections in older homes, and preserving consumer choice.
Long Island builders oppose potential NY fire sprinkler rule, citing housing affordability Fire sprinkler proposal sparks affordability debate