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Committee recommends filing sprinkler bill after fire department says current building code already enforces key requirements
Summary
The committee voted to file a proposed adoption of M.G.L. Chapter 148, Section 26I after the fire chief and building officials told the committee existing building and fire codes already require sprinklers in the scenarios Section 26I addresses; public commenters urged adoption citing gaps for triple‑decker conversions.
The Public Safety Committee on Sept. 9 discussed a proposed recommendation to adopt M.G.L. Chapter 148, Section 26I, which would mandate automatic sprinklers in residential buildings with four or more dwelling units. After department briefings and public comment, the committee voted to file the matter and forward the discussion to full council with the committee’s recommendation to file.
Fire and building officials told the committee that Worcester’s current building and fire codes require sprinklers in new residential buildings of four or more units and that conversions that change a building’s use (for example, converting a three‑family into a four‑family)…
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