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Kansas committee hears opposing views on bill to bar sprinkler mandates for small multifamily dwellings
Summary
The Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development heard testimony on HB 2739, which would prohibit requiring fire sprinkler systems in multifamily dwellings of four attached units or fewer by expanding the state definition of residential structure; proponents said it would spur downtown redevelopment, while fire officials warned it reduces life-safety protections.
Members of the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development on Feb. 20 heard competing testimony on House Bill 27 39, which would prevent municipalities and the state fire marshal from requiring residential fire sprinkler systems in multifamily dwellings of four attached units or fewer.
Reviser Hamilton told the committee the change would expand the statutory definition of residential structure that currently exempts single-family and multifamily dwellings of two attached units or fewer, and would explicitly remove townhouses from the statute's definition of apartment houses. The bill would become effective upon publication in the statute book.
Proponents framed the measure as a narrowly tailored fix to remove a regulatory hurdle for rural downtown redevelopment. Representative Dale Helwig said many…
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