SB 374: Buildings; local fire ordinances requiring fire sprinklers in certain multifamily dwellings; authorize

Since 2010, Georgia law has barred the state fire code and local fire codes from requiring fire sprinklers in single-family homes or buildings with two or fewer dwelling units, such as duplexes. This bill keeps that ban in place but adds new language clarifying that it does not stop cities and counties from passing their own ordinances requiring sprinklers in residential buildings with more than two units, such as apartment complexes or larger multifamily housing. The bill amends O.C.G.A. § 8-2-4 in Section 1 by inserting this clarification. Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws. The bill does not set a statewide sprinkler requirement itself; it simply removes any doubt that local governments have the authority to adopt one for larger multifamily buildings if they choose to.

• Confirms that local governments may adopt fire ordinances requiring sprinklers in residential buildings with more than two dwelling units.
• Leaves in place the existing statewide ban on sprinkler mandates for single-family homes and buildings with two or fewer units.
• Amends O.C.G.A. § 8-2-4 to add this clarifying language rather than creating a new statewide sprinkler mandate.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with this clarification.

Local governments (cities and counties) that write fire and building codes, developers and owners of multifamily housing such as apartment buildings and condos, and residents of those buildings who could be affected by new local sprinkler requirements.

If a city or county decides to require sprinklers in larger apartment buildings, this bill would remove legal uncertainty about whether they have the authority to do so, potentially affecting construction costs and safety standards for multifamily housing across Georgia.

• Section 1 revises O.C.G.A. § 8-2-4 by inserting new language stating the section does not prevent local governments from requiring sprinklers in buildings with more than two dwelling units.
• The existing prohibition on sprinkler mandates for single-family homes and two-unit buildings, in effect since May 24, 2010, remains unchanged.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws, a standard closing provision.

1. 2025-04-04Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-04-04Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Brian Strickland (R, SD-42)Primary sponsor

• fire safety
• building codes
• local government authority
• multifamily housing