Select Board backs placing state sprinkler‑adoption article on fall warrant after fire chief’s presentation

Deputy Fire Chief Tony Kent told the Select Board on Aug. 26 that adopting Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148 sections 26H and 26I would align Dennis with a majority of Massachusetts municipalities and improve life safety by requiring automatic sprinklers for lodging houses and residential buildings with four or more units where water supply allows.

Kent explained the difference between the two provisions: section 26H applies to lodging and boarding houses and includes a five‑year compliance period for certain structures; section 26I applies to multi‑unit residential buildings (four or more units) primarily for new construction or substantial rehabilitation. He said the rules tie back to the state building and fire codes and that towns can permit alternative suppression systems in some circumstances. Kent emphasized that sprinklers buy time to evacuate residents and cited local incidents where sprinklers protected property and lives.

Board members asked whether the measures require retrofitting existing buildings. Kent clarified that 26H includes a five‑year retrofit (where applicable) and that 26I applies to new construction; water‑supply limitations can exempt some buildings if adequate pressure or supply is not available. The board raised no unresolved technical objections and voted unanimously to place the article on the fall special town meeting warrant for voter consideration.

The placement is procedural: if voters later appropriate funds or enact relevant regulations, the provisions would be incorporated per state statute and the local warrant article language.