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HB 2739

Relating to housing code requirements, removing the definition of apartment houses from chapter 31 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, providing requirements for adoption of the international fire code, 2024 edition, and providing that certain state accessibility standards are not applicable to moderate income housing program and Kansas investor tax credit housing act projects.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill exempts small apartment buildings (4 units or fewer) from mandatory fire sprinkler requirements, prioritizing construction affordability over fire safety protections.

Reengrossed on Monday, March 30, 2026
#fireandfireprotection #realestate
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Bill Summary · HB 2739

Legislative bill overview

HB 2739 exempts multi-family dwellings with four or fewer attached units from state fire sprinkler system requirements and prohibits municipalities from imposing their own sprinkler mandates on such properties. The bill also redefines "apartment buildings" in Kansas fire code to exclude these smaller multi-unit structures from sprinkler regulations.

Why is this important

Fire sprinkler systems significantly increase construction and renovation costs for small multi-family housing developers, potentially affecting housing affordability and supply. This bill could lower barriers to building smaller apartment complexes but may reduce fire safety protections in these residential units, creating a trade-off between cost and risk.

Potential points of contention

  • Fire safety vs. cost: Sprinklers reduce fire deaths and injuries, but their $1,500-$3,500 per-unit cost may discourage affordable housing development in small buildings
  • Local control erosion: The bill preempts municipal fire codes, limiting cities' ability to set safety standards based on local conditions and needs
  • Definitional loophole: "Four or fewer attached units" may be interpreted to allow developers to circumvent sprinkler requirements through creative building design while maintaining functional apartment complexity

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

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