Arizona Voters to Decide on Mandatory Sprinklers
In the debate over mandatory sprinklers in new homes, the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA) is offering a judicious approach by letting the consumer decide. A group, “Citizens Against Government Mandates — Home Builders" has been working alongside the association 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 later this year. Jason Franz, a spokesman for the Central Arizona builders, said the mandates eliminate consumer choice. "This should not be a government or town mandate," Franz said. "We want to support a citizen's ability to choose." Residents of Goodyear will be voting on the measure in September, according to a March 5 Arizona Republic article, while Avondale was still awaiting the verification of some 321 of 641 signatures. In 2002, at its annual spring board of directors meeting, NAHB adopted policy (a members-only link) opposing mandatory new-home sprinkler systems, citing the 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. | 
