HB 3505
Provides that a local government may not impose or increase a system development charge for the installation of a National Fire Protection Association 13D residential fire sprinkler system or for the increase in capacity of the system's water meter over the capacity of the water meter that would otherwise be required.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
73%
Oppose
27%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prevents local governments in Oregon from charging fees for installing residential fire sprinkler systems that meet National Fire Protection Association 13D standards, or for increasing the capacity of a water meter to accommodate these systems. It also prohibits fees for expanding sprinkler system capacity. The bill also directs the Housing and Community Services Department to study housing issues and report its findings to the Legislative Assembly by September 15, 2026.
Key provisions
- Local governments cannot impose or increase system development charges for residential fire sprinkler systems meeting NFPA 13D standards.
- Local governments cannot impose or increase fees for increasing water meter capacity to accommodate sprinkler systems.
- The Housing and Community Services Department must study housing issues.
- The Housing and Community Services Department must submit a report to the Legislative Assembly by September 15, 2026.
Who is affected
- Local governments
- Homeowners installing fire sprinkler systems
- Housing and Community Services Department
- Oregon Legislative Assembly
Notable changes
- Prohibits fees related to residential fire sprinkler systems and water meter capacity increases.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3505 advocate for mandatory fire sprinkler systems in new and retrofitted construction projects, with the goal of promoting affordable housing and reducing home fire deaths. They argue that installing critical life-saving fire sprinklers can reduce fatalities by up to 82% when combined with smoke alarms, and emphasize the need for system development charges to be eliminated or reduced to make these safety upgrades more affordable. Additionally, proponents support the removal of unintentional disincentives to install residential sprinklers in some communities, aiming to maximize available buildable land and encourage housing construction, particularly for dense and unique housing types.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Cities and local governments are expressing concerns that limiting System Development Charges (SDCs) would restrict their ability to fund essential infrastructure, including water and wastewater utilities. They believe that SDCs provide a crucial source of revenue for cities to invest in critical infrastructure projects, and that limiting these charges would hinder their capacity to address community needs. Opponents argue that HB 3505-2's restrictions on SDCs would deprive cities of a key funding mechanism, potentially leading to reduced investment in vital public services.
Source: Testimony Summaries