This is from the Charleston Regional Business Journal:
The state may offer tax credits to businesses that install sprinklers
By Scott Miller , Staff Writer
Responding to the Sofa Super Store blaze that killed nine Charleston
firefighters in June, S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell said he
intends to introduce legislation in the upcoming session to encourage
businesses and possibly home developers to boost fire safety, but the
state business community said it wouldn't back any legislated requirements.
Specifics of the legislation, such as the value of the credits, the
eligibility requirements or the cost to the state, haven't been hammered out.
"We think it's a commendable idea, but we would like to see more of
the specifics," said Joel Sawyer, spokesman for Gov. Mark Sanford.
Harrell, R-Charleston, was unavailable for comment Thursday morning.
Fire-related deaths are lowered by 57 % when sprinklers are present,
and property damage is lessened by at least 34 %, despite water
damage, according to figures from the National Fire Protection Association.
But the incentives would need to be pretty hefty to entice businesses
to invest in sprinkler systems, particularly if they had to retrofit
older buildings.
Installing sprinklers during construction costs $1 to $1.50 per
square foot or more, while retrofitting sprinklers in existing
buildings cost about 50% more, according to the National Fire
Sprinkler Association. In a much higher estimate, the Home Builders
Association of South Carolina said fire sprinklers could add about $6
per square foot to the cost of constructing new homes.
Because of the cost, the business community will not support a state
mandate, said Jay Ragley, state director of the National Federation
of Independent Business. For businesses to invest in sprinkler
systems, the legislation likely would need to include mandatory
discounts from insurers, reductions in local water fees and an
accelerated depreciation level, he said.
"Small businesses operate on very small margins, and a lot of small
businesses just don't have the money to do this, especially to
retrofit an older building," Ragley said.
If approved, South Carolina would be the first state to offer tax
credits for sprinkler installation. Some cities and states, however,
have enacted ordinances and statutes requiring sprinklers in nursing
homes, high rises, university dormitories and residences, according
to the National Fire Sprinkler Association.
In Illinois, for example, the state requires dorms to install
sprinklers by 2013 and offers low-interest loans to help cover the cost.
Since 1988, Connecticut has required sprinklers in all hotels and
motels with more than four stories. Florida and Virginia have enacted
similar legislation, as have several other states and municipalities.
Todd G. Williams, PE
Fire Protection Design/Consulting
Stonington, Connecticut
www.fpdc.com
860.535.2080
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