Residential sprinkler bill advanced

Lawmakers advanced a bill from general file March 8 that would adopt the 2009 version of the International Residential Code (IRC) as the state building code, with the exception of the mandatory sprinkler provision for new residences.

LB546, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor, would permit state agencies and local political subdivisions to amend their building codes to include a mandatory new-home sprinkler provision.

Gloor said the bill would provide local control by allowing municipalities and counties to require a residential sprinkler system in newly constructed homes if they choose to include a mandate in local building codes. Many small communities do not have building departments, Gloor said, which would make it difficult for them to opt out of a statewide mandate.

Omaha Sen. Bob Krist said the bill sends the wrong message to local governments. The Legislature should not adopt a state building code while carving out exceptions for unpopular provisions, he said.

Krist offered and later withdrew an amendment that would have adopted the 2009 IRC in its entirety as the state building code and would have allowed local governments to opt out of the mandatory new home sprinkler provision.

Krist said doing so would be consistent with state electrical, boiler and plumbing codes.

After adopting two technical amendments, senators voted 32-3 to advance LB546 to select file.