New Lenox Fire District Now Requires Sprinklers in the Township

Anyone who wants to build a new house in unincorporated New Lenox Township which is covered by the New Lenox Fire Protection District is now required to install a fire suppression sprinkler system into the house. This requirement came to light recently when the New Lenox Fire Department asked the Will County Land Use Department for a monthly report of all new home building permits issued in unincorporated New Lenox Township so that the Fire District could enforce their ordinance requirements. It is estimated that it will cost between $7,000-27,000 to install a sprinkler system. A larger well, pump and pressure tank may be required to support the water flow requirement. Houses built in the Village of New Lenox are not required to have a fire sprinkler system because the Village has not adopted such a building code. Anyone considering building a house in New Lenox Township should look into this matter before drawing up final plans. The Fire District can impose substantial fines for noncompliance.

Tom Weigel, Will county Board Member