New Castle County's Possible Sprinkler Requirement

New Castle County officials are seeking to make sprinkler systems a requirement in new homes and townhouses beginning in 2013.

The county Council is scheduled to take up the issue at a meeting Tuesday.

The New Castle County Fire Chiefs' Association of Delaware says sprinklers would protect people inside the home and minimize the spread of a fire. However, homebuilders say the added expense of
installing sprinkler systems would hurt their already depressed industry.

County Executive Paul Clark says he wants to put off discussion of the sprinklers for two weeks to see if local water companies will waive an annual fee to homeowners if they don't use the sprinklers. He also wants a legal opinion on whether the requirement would apply to homes already approved to be built.