CUMBERLAND — Add the Historic Highlands Association of Realtors to the growing list of critics of a proposal that would require the installation of sprinklers in newly-constructed one- and two-family homes.
The sprinklers would act as fire suppression systems, advocates have said, and help save lives of residents and firefighters as well as property.
On Thursday, Jim Diamond, governmental affairs director for the association, told the Allegany County commissioners more time is needed before such a policy is implemented. He spoke during the commissioners’ public meeting just one week after a public hearing on the issue. There, the majority of speakers included firefighters and state fire marshal office personnel, all of whom testified in favor of Code Home Rule Bill 2-10.
Diamond said association board members are concerned of “the need for taking ample time” to consider all the facts, including the potential impact to new home construction.
Diamond emphasized the distinction between the mountain side of Maryland and residents east of Sideling Hill. Much of the testimony provided at last week’s public hearing was given by officials from central, metropolitan Maryland. Planned communities in those areas, Diamond said, have ready access to public water lines that local developers don’t.
“We’re concerned about the outlying areas in Allegany County,” Diamond said.
Cumberland resident Don Bohrer suggested that more — and louder — smoke detectors, and not sprinklers, are a reasonable solution. Bohrer cautioned against “Big Brother” government infiltrating private homes any more than already is done.
“We’re losing more of our freedoms every time you pass one of these silly things,” Bohrer said.
Diamond said another factor to consider is the county’s need for new housing stock. Existing homes are aging and need replaced, he said.
“We do need new construction,” Diamond said. “We don’t want the additional cost (of sprinkler systems) to deter new construction.”
Commissioner Jim Stakem said the commissioners have been provided a wide range of estimates, from about $1.50 per square foot to three times that amount. On a 2,000-square-foot home, the total bill could range from $3,000 to $9,000. Diamond asked county staff to weigh in on the subject and perhaps obtain objective estimates.
Stakem said he and his colleagues are moving “very slowly” toward a vote on the issue.
“We’re taking our time on this to make sure we do the right thing,” Stakem said.
Frostburg officials already have adopted the International Code Council guidelines. Cumberland’s ordinance, however, excluded the residential sprinkler system requirement.
“It was primarily a concern about cost and whether or not there would be sufficient return on reduced homeowners insurance policies,” said City Administrator John Kirby. “The mayor and council felt that, at this time, it was best not to make it mandatory.”
Kirby said staff will make information available to those who ask about it.
Kevin Spradlin can be reached at kspradlin@times-news.com.
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