State and Local Reporter - 03/31/2005 (Plain Text Version)

Barry Rutenberg, Chair
Gainesville, Florida

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In this issue:
Ohio Latest State to Pass Notice and Opportunity to Repair Law
Keeping Unjustified Requirements Out of Model Building Codes
North Carolina Builders Win School Impact Fee Case
Court Rejects Anti-Growth Zoning Restrictions in Northern Virginia
Central Arizona HBA Urges Education, Consumer Choice in Lieu of Mandatory New-Home Sprinklers
State and Local Government Affairs Meetings at Spring Board
Texas Study: More Minorities Priced Out of Home Buying Market
Florida Supreme Court Stalls Hometown Democracy
NAHB Legislative Conference: Builders to Carry Storm Water, ESA Concerns to Capitol Hill
Industry News...
Staff Changes in NAHB's State & Local Department

Central Arizona HBA Urges Education, Consumer Choice in Lieu of Mandatory New-Home Sprinklers

In the debate over mandatory new-home sprinklers the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona is offering a more judicious approach — let the consumer decide.

A group, “Citizens Against Government Mandates — Home Builders" has been working alongside the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona to void ordinances that make sprinklers mandatory for all new homes in the cities of Goodyear and Avondale. They have been collecting signatures to subject the ordinances to a vote sometime later this year.

Jason Franz, the builders association spokesman, said the mandates eliminate consumer choice. "This should not a government or town mandate," Franz said. "We want to support a citizen's ability to choose."

A March 5 article in the Arizona Republic noted that the residents of Goodyear would vote on the measure in September, while Avondale awaits the verification of some 321 of 641 signatures.

In 2002, at their annual Spring Board of Directors Meeting, NAHB adopted policy opposing mandatory new-home sprinkler systems, citing an exemplary safety record of newer housing. The policy favors the pursuit of alliances with organizations that support fire safety, consumer safety education and housing affordability.

For more information about this item, please contact Jason Franz with the HBACA at 602-274-6545, or Alex Strong in NAHB State & Local Government Affairs at 800-368-5242 x8279.