New Castle County adopts study-first ordinance to require sprinklers in model homes; developers must report costs

New Castle County Council on May 27 adopted an amendment to the county building code that adds requirements for automatic fire-sprinkler systems in permanent model homes and requires developers to report installation and operating-cost data to the Department of Land Use.

Councilman Conejo introduced Ordinance 25-062, which would amend New Castle County Code Chapter 6, Article 5, to require residential automatic fire sprinklers in model homes and to create a study period during which developers report actual costs. Councilwoman Kilpatrick, a co-sponsor, said the approach is intended to produce “real-time expenses for both installation and monthly water costs” by having developers submit exact amounts to the Department of Land Use rather than commissioning a separate outside study.

Builders who spoke during public comment asked for a modest implementation delay for permits tied to model homes and for additional time for developers to review plans. Michael (identified as representing the Home Builders Association of Delaware) asked that the county extend the implementation window for permits issued in January 2026 to allow developers to adjust plans and negotiations in progress. Kilpatrick said the council can revisit implementation timing and that the ordinance itself must first pass; she offered to coordinate with builders and Land Use staff to identify projects that may need adjusted reporting timelines.

Council members cited local examples and early results. Councilman Cartier noted that Darley Green in Claymont already uses sprinklers in townhomes and condominiums and said sprinklers have suppressed serious incidents there. Several members praised the measure as a cautious, data-driven step to broaden adoption of sprinkler systems while collecting cost data.

The council called the roll and the ordinance passed unanimously, 13-0. During debate, a council member said the ordinance’s implementation would be subject to future administrative and ordinance action and that any extension of reporting or permit timelines could be handled by a subsequent council vote.

Why it matters: The ordinance changes local building requirements for new model homes and requires developer reporting that will inform future policy decisions about broader sprinkler requirements. The county framed the measure as a phased, empirical approach to reduce fire risk while documenting cost impacts for builders and buyers.

What’s next: Developers will be asked to submit installation and operating-cost data to the Department of Land Use as specified by the ordinance; council members said the body may consider an extension or amendment if builders identify projects that cannot meet initial timelines.