Committee approves exemption for sprinklers in community homes for adults with disabilities

The Housing & Community Development Committee advanced House Bill 711, a measure that would exempt community homes for adults with intellectual disability or autism from automatic sprinkler requirements under Pennsylvania’s uniform construction code.

Rep. Ripa, the bill’s prime sponsor, told the committee that the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit in November 2024 against state agencies alleging the sprinkler rule discriminates under the Fair Housing Act by imposing costly requirements on homes serving people with disabilities that are not imposed on structurally identical homes. He said automatic sprinkler systems in small homes average about $10,000 and can cost up to three times more in rural areas that need separate water infrastructure, creating a financial barrier to the development and retention of community homes.

Committee staff described Amendment Z02850 — offered by the chair — as a technical amendment clarifying definitions and licensing requirements. A member noted that the amendment aligned statutory terminology with Department of Human Services and labor-and-industry regulations and said administration agencies would support the bill if amended. The amendment passed on a voice/fast vote and the committee reported HB711 as passed, recorded in the transcript as 26–0.

Sponsors said the bill preserves other safety measures such as smoke detectors and drills while removing the sprinkler requirement where it creates disproportionate cost and access barriers. The committee’s action sends HB711 to the House floor for further consideration.