HD29 - Report on the Need for Licensure or Certification of Fire Sprinkler System Designers and Installers


Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution 748 requested the Board for Contractors (the Board) to study the need for a licensure or certification program for fire sprinkler system designers and installers. This study was recommended by the Virginia Housing Study Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development as a result of their review of fire sprinkler requirements relating to apartment buildings and other residential structures. This report will explain the methodology used in studying this issue and the information gleaned in the study process. It will summarize the public comment provided to the Board, and conclude with recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly.

Current regulations for the Board for Contractors include licensing of specialty contractors. Licensed contractors may obtain a fire sprinkler contracting specialty license, which provides for the installation, repair, improvement or removal of sprinkler systems using water as a means of fire suppression when annexed to real property. There are currently 421 contractors licensed by the Commonwealth with this designation. Throughout the study process, the Board sought to determine whether further regulation is necessary to protect the public. The Board relied upon the statute in this determination. Section 54.1-100 of the Code of Virginia clearly states that government regulation should not be imposed upon any profession or occupation except for the exclusive purpose of protecting the public interest.

The Board received numerous public comments from trade associations as well as fire protection agencies supporting regulation of fire sprinkler installers. The Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects warned that only licensed professionals should be permitted to design fire sprinkler systems. This position was also supported by the Joint Legislative Committee representing the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, Consulting Engineer's Council of Virginia, and Virginia Society of Professional Engineers.

The Board concludes that the public relies upon properly designed and installed fire sprinkler systems, and should be given assurance that fire sprinkler contractors have met minimum competency standards in this area. The Board recommends that its regulations be amended to require such minimum competency for all licensed contractors who desire the specialty classification of "fire sprinkler contracting."