STANTON : Sprinkler Systems Mandated forHomes

The City Council adopted a sweeping ordinance governing the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in buildings.

After a short presentation by a County Fire Department representative, the council voted 3 to 1 to adopt a new ordinance that brings the city’s fire codes up to state standards but goes beyond the state code to require the installation of sprinkler systems in most new hotels, apartments and multi-unit residences, as well as in all new single-family homes.

The ordinance also requires that existing homes be equipped with sprinklers when they are remodeled if the living area of the house is increased to 3,600 square feet or more.

Last year, fires caused more than $19 million in damage to homes in Orange County, according to County Fire Department statistics, and Stanton residences suffered more than $246,000 in fire damage in 1988.

While Dana Point this week also approved a sprinkler ordinance for new structures, other cities have limited the requirement to multifamily units, according to County Fire Department Capt. Ralph Titus.

Mandatory sprinkler systems have been opposed by developers who are “reluctant to embrace the up-front costs,” Titus told the council. Home buyers, however, can often recoup much of the added costs of a sprinkler system through reduced insurance premiums, he pointed out. Insurance companies offer an average rate reduction of 5% to 15% on homes equipped with sprinklers, Titus said.

“I’m surprised,” Titus said of the City Council’s decision to adopt the more stringent requirements. “It really shows leadership, and a bit of daring.”

Titus acknowledged, however, that because the city is nearly built out, the council’s action may have more of a symbolic effect than a practical one.

“You’ve got to start somewhere,” he said.