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Commerce City council makes residential sprinklers optional after heated debate
Summary
After public testimony from firefighters and builders, Commerce City Council voted 5–3 on Nov. 17 to make residential fire sprinklers optional for new single‑family homes and duplexes, citing housing affordability and buyer choice; opponents said the change weakens life‑safety protections.
Commerce City Council voted 5–3 on Nov. 17 to amend the municipal code so residential fire sprinklers are optional, not mandatory, for new single‑family detached homes and duplexes.
The ordinance that passed on second and final reading would allow builders to offer sprinklers as an upgrade paid for by the buyer rather than as a required part of the base home price. City staff said the change applies to single‑family detached homes and duplexes under the 2021 International Residential Code; other denser housing types remain subject to sprinkler requirements.
The decision followed nearly two hours of public comment and council discussion. Fire officials and sprinkler advocates warned that making sprinklers voluntary would sharply reduce installation rates. “Making them…
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