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Push to Repeal Maryland Fire Sprinkler Requirement

creative commons

Eastern Shore Delegate Chris Adams wants to reverse a state rule that requires fire sprinklers in new and renovated single-family homes.

The rule went into effect in July.

The Wicomico County Republican told the Salisbury Daily Times that it was “a backdoor attempt to halt economic growth on the Eastern Shore.”

His measure would leave the decision to local officials.

The paper reports since the rule was put in place Wicomico County has gotten only one home building permit application.

There was a rush of applications to beat the deadline.  

Meanwhile, Caroline County Commissioner Larry Porter told the paper that the requirement had all but “eliminated the dream of building a home in Caroline County for young families.”

The Daily Times reports that Caroline County has seen only one permit application since the rule went into effect.  

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.