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AOBA Continues Fight against High-Rise Sprinkler Retrofit Requirement


A legislative proposal pushed by fire services associations has sought to mandate the retrofit of automatic sprinkler systems in all high-rise residential buildings in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Last year, AOBA succeeded in defeating the controversial measure, which could cost affected properties between $8,000 and $20,000 per unit.  After a last ditch effort to revive the bill, patron Senator John Watkins’ request for the bill to be referred to the Virginia Housing Commission was granted.  This week, a Housing Commission work group chaired by Senator Watkins met to consider and discuss the legislation with the charge of making a recommendation to the General Assembly for action.  Preceding the meeting, AOBA assembled a strong coalition of allies including the Virginia Apartment and Management Association, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Homebuilders Association of Virginia, and condominium owners.  In the end, the strong opposition of allies and exorbitant costs associated with the proposal persuaded the work group to not recommend further action on the measure during the 2009 legislative session.  It is still anticipated, however, that the issue will be considered as part of the 2009 building code update cycle.  AOBA maintains a seat at the table for those discussions as well and will continue to urge the consideration of alternative, more economical methods of improving fire and life safety in high-rise residential buildings.