Proposed Local Law Would Impose Burdensome Sprinkler Requirements
A proposed local law being considered by the New York City Council, Int. 1146-B, would require that all residential buildings over 40 feet in height, including cooperatives and condominiums, must be retrofitted with automatic sprinklers in all apartments. This mandate, which would have to be satisfied by 2029, would apply regardless of the age of the building and regardless of any other fire safety measures that may already be present. It is anticipated that to comply, the ceiling of every apartment would need to be opened up, at substantial expense. For older premises, opening the ceilings creates other potential hazards such as asbestos exposure, which could themselves require costly remediation. Board members and property owners may wish to contact their City Council members with their views on this proposed legislation.