By Joseph Deinlein
The Evening Sun
PENN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Penn Township is looking at adopting the most up-to-date fire codes, which could require fire sprinkler systems in new single-family homes and duplexes.
It also could mean the addition of several permit requirements, and fees to cover the cost of their filing.
The township board of commissioners at its public safety committee meeting earlier this month learned about the 2009 International Fire Code being reviewed by township Fire Chief Jan Cromer and township Code Officer Darryl Boyd.
The code, created by the membership group International Code Council, is aimed at unifying codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Many municipalities adopt the standards, which is taken into consideration by insurance companies when issuing homeowners insurance.
“The 2009 International Fire Code contains about 65 different references to things where permits could be required,” said Township Manager Jeffrey Garvick. “We are only concerned about requiring permits for a few of these items.”
Those include regulating explosives (such as fireworks), open burning, fire alarm and detection systems, fire hydrants and valves, private fire hydrants and automatic fire extinguishing systems, Garvick said.
Automatic fire extinguishing systems already are required in townhouses and apartments, he said.
Township Commissioner Phil Heilman said the sprinkler system requirement might raise a few eyebrows, and he asked how much it would cost.
According to several contractor Web sites, the cost to install such a system could range between 50 cents and $2.50 per square foot of new construction, depending on where the house is being built.
“Now, over the life of the building, will the insurance rates go down enough to pay for that?” Heilman asked rhetorically. “Here’s another mandate that adds to the cost of things. I’m not knocking what it’s trying to do, but think of those who have to bear the cost.”
Cromer said such systems are becoming more valuable as studies are finding young children aren’t as easily woken up by a standard smoke detector.
“And we’re looking out for the well being of our firefighters,” he said.
He also predicted the cost of installation would drop as more new construction had sprinklers installed.
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