Sprinklers, and added cost, now universal in Maryland

OCEAN CITY —The final stroke of state sprinkler requirements could dampen single-family construction in the resort area, as the now-mandatory fire safety devices continue what many describe as long trend of added regulatory expense.

As of the first of this month, Maryland jurisdictions, including municipalities and counties, are no longer able to exercise an opt-out from the state fire safety code requiring sprinklers in all new construction, including single-family homes.

“When you talk about how poor Worcester County is, with the exception of Ocean City, you’re saying people who are already struggling to build a home now have an additional cost that may prohibit them from building a house,” said Reese Cropper, president of Insurance Management Group.

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