The debate over requiring sprinklers in apartment buildings should produce a nice simple drama.

Virginia law requires sprinklers in nursing homes if they are five stories high.

City regulations do not require sprinklers for the upper residential floors, he said.

They contend that fire death rates here are comparable to those in cities that require sprinklers.

Requiring sprinklers for new construction as the Mayor proposes would affect only a few thousand apartments built each year.

The new field does not require sprinklers or mowing, which reduces cost.

California and Pennsylvania require sprinklers in at least some new residential construction.

Since 2011, two states, California and Pennsylvania have required sprinklers in at least some new residential construction.

In particular, he said, the legislation should have required sprinklers in all new residential buildings, not just those with four or more units.

The city is also considering requiring indoor sprinklers, an expensive improvement that might not be covered by insurance.