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Bill Summary · SF 310

Summary: SF 310 — Fire protection sprinkler systems in certain residential properties

Date of Introduction: February 13, 2025
Status: Referred to Local Government (introduced; committee report; later referred to Local Government on 2025-06-16)
Version: Introduced text, Section 103A.8E

Purpose and intent

SF 310 would prohibit the mandatory installation of fire protective sprinkler systems in a specific category of attached residential buildings. Specifically, it aims to prevent both state and local imposition of required sprinkler systems in small attached single-family residential developments.

What the bill would do

  • Adds a prohibition to the state building code, via the state building code commissioner, on requiring a fire protection sprinkler system installation for a series of attached single-family residences with fewer than seven units.
  • Prohibits local regulations from requiring the installation of a fire protection sprinkler system in such small attached single-family residential series (fewer than seven units).

In short, for small attached developments (1–6 units), there would be no mandatory sprinkler requirement under both state code and local ordinances.

Key provisions (as introduced)

  • Section 103A.8E of the state building code would establish a prohibition on mandatory sprinkler installation for small attached single-family residences (fewer than seven units).
  • Local jurisdictions would be prohibited from imposing a sprinkler requirement for the same category of properties.
  • The text indicates the prohibition applies specifically to “a series of attached single-family residences consisting of fewer than seven units.”

Note: The bill does not explicitly address voluntary installation, retrofit requirements, exceptions for larger developments, enforcement mechanisms, or funding.

Scope and who is affected

  • Affected developers, builders, and property owners involved in small attached single-family residential projects (1–6 units), such as townhomes or rowhouses.
  • Local building departments and state building code authorities, as their rules would be constrained by the prohibition.
  • Homebuyers in these small attached developments would not face a mandatory sprinkler requirement under state or local law, unless applicable outside the scope of this bill.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025.
  • Committee action: February 13, 2025 (committee report approving the bill).
  • Status update: Referred to Local Government on June 16, 2025.
  • No specific effective date is stated in the introduced text; typical enactment would follow passage and signature, subject to any specified effective date in the final bill.

Potential questions or considerations

  • Does not address voluntary sprinklers, retrofit mandates, or safety requirements outside the defined small-series category.
  • Ambiguity around how “series of attached single-family residences” is interpreted in practice (e.g., mixed-use developments or extensions of existing footprints).
  • Financial impact on fire safety funding, insurance, or long-term maintenance costs for homeowners remains unclear.

Next steps for interested readers

  • Monitor Local Government committee activity for amendments or changes.
  • Track whether the bill passes to become law and if any exemptions or definitions are refined in a final version.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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