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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) already trigger sprinkler requirements under the existing code. The committee was presented with an updated report (dated Aug. 19) indicating that adopting 26I would produce no material change in life‑safety or economic outcomes because local enforcement and the state building code already align with or exceed 26I’s provisions.
Several members of the public urged the committee to adopt 26I, arguing point‑blank that a legal gap exists for conversions of triple‑deckers that become four‑unit buildings. John Edward Keogh, a resident of Irving Street, said the SJC adjudication around a Boston case addressed precisely that conversion scenario and that 26I closes a gap for many cities. Other commenters, including Steve Hart and Fred Nathan, said they supported the fire chief’s recommendation and urged pragmatic approaches; Johanna McAvoy said the fire chief had advocated adoption and expressed frustration at procedural handling. David Webb said he supported the sprinkler measure as a safety step.
Committee Chair Councilor Kate Toomey said the Aug. 19 report and subsequent department collaboration with the building commissioner showed the current codes already meet or exceed the protections 26I would provide; she proposed filing the measure and affirming support for the department’s strategic plan. The committee approved the motion to file and forward the recommendation by roll call with Councilors Bergman and Ojeda joining Toomey in voting yes.
Why it matters: Sprinkler requirements affect life‑safety outcomes in multiunit housing stock that includes many older triple‑deckers in Worcester. The debate at committee turned on whether local code enforcement and triggers for sprinkler installation on renovation already close the gap 26I was designed to address.
What’s next: The committee will forward the matter to the full City Council with a recommendation to file; councilors and the department suggested pursuing incentives and enforcement tools to increase sprinkler installation where appropriate.
