Lincoln, NE Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Provision
- IRC § R313 deleted entirely
- Applies to
- One- and two-family dwellings
- Enacted by
- Ord. 20937, June 29, 2020
- Sprinklers
- Optional, not code-mandated
Summary
Lincoln deleted Section R313 of the International Residential Code, so new one- and two-family homes built in the city are not required to install automatic fire sprinkler systems.
20.12.365 Section R313 Deleted; Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. Section R313 of the International Residential Code and all subsections thereof are hereby deleted. (Ord. 20937 §72; June 29, 2020).
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 20.12.365 strikes IRC Section R313 and all its subsections in their entirety from the residential code Lincoln enforces on one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. The 2018 IRC as adopted nationally requires sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes, but Lincoln's building code amendment removes that mandate outright, so builders permitting new single-family and duplex construction in the city do not need to design or install a fire sprinkler system to pass plan review or final inspection. Sprinklers remain a matter of owner choice, not code compliance.
Violations & Fines
No requirement exists, so there is no violation for skipping a sprinkler system in new one- and two-family construction under Lincoln's building code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lincoln require fire sprinklers in new houses?
Do commercial buildings in Lincoln still need sprinklers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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