The 2009 session of the Tennessee General Assembly amended current law so that the building code now applies to one- and two-family homes. This was done primarily to bring Tennessee homes to a higher energy code standard. Tennessee ranks number one out of the 50 states in energy consumption per household. In addition to energy, one- and two-family homes will be subject to inspection by either local or state inspectors with regard to plumbing, mechanical, and general construction standards. This process will ensure that the homeowner lives in a well-constructed house. The General Assembly specifically exempted one- and two-family homes from having to meet the residential sprinkler requirements in section 19 (8) of Public Chapter 529. However, they required the Department of Commerce and Insurance, [Section 19 (9)], which has building code enforcement authority within the State Fire Marshal's Office, to seek public input on whether residential sprinklers are cost effective and to report the results of such analysis to the General Assembly on or before May 1, 2010. It is the official position of the U.S. Fire Administration that all Americans should be protected against death, injury, and property loss resulting from fire in their residences. All homes should be equipped with smoke alarms and automatic fire sprinklers, and families should prepare and practice emergency escape plans. The Department of Commerce and Insurance called for input from anyone interested in this topic and specifically from the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association and the Home Builders Association. All written materials were to be provided to the Department by Dec. 31, 2009. A rule making hearing on the adoption of rules to implement a residential building codes program in Tennessee, as well as make changes to the rules for the Fire Prevention Division's Codes Enforcement Section was held Jan. 6, 2010 in the Tennessee Room at the Snodgrass Tower in Nashville.
