Sprinklers proposed for homes

July 24, 2003 MONTGOMERY, Md. - Council members here have written proposed legislation that would require built-in fire sprinkler systems all new residential structures in the county. The measure, which would also include single family homes, would be the largest locality to adopt such requirements, according to a report in the Washington Post. The bill, drafted by Phil Andrews, D-Gaithersburg, would also encourage the retrofitting of existing dwellings with a county property tax credit that could pay up to the full cost, according to the paper. Builders in the county have voiced their opposition to the plan, calling the measure too expensive and that sprinklers are not the most effective use of saving lives in a fire.