Lee County builders fight Estero sprinkler installation law

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ESTERO, Fla. – The Lee Building Industry Association has filed a lawsuit in response to a push by the fire district to require sprinkler installation in new homes.

The sprinklers cost too much and can delay construction, the builders association said.

But while builders want to stop the law, experts say sprinklers could advance fire safety measures into the future.

“I believe that one day we will be at the point where we look at fire sprinklers just like we look at smoke detectors, you know, and it will be part of the standard codes and people will accept it and it will be a life safety system in all the new houses,” Ryan Peterson, a fire sprinkler expert said.

Peterson said sprinkler installation costs $1.40 per square foot in the average new home but the added security is priceless.

“As a parent, to look at that little bit of added cost and whether you ever use the system or not just to have that peace of mind and that insurance to know that when you’re in your house you’re as safe from a fire as you possibly can be,” he said.

The Estero Fire Rescue District discussed the proposed law and the lawsuit at a meeting on Tuesday.

 

 

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