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player ready...New homes in Hickory Hills now have to be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems to help extinguish fires before they spread.
The City Council last week unanimously approved a measure requiring that systems be installed in all new homes and in any commercial property that is being substantially renovated. Apartment buildings being converted into condominiums will also be required to install sprinkler systems.
Hickory Hills joins about 30 other Chicago suburbs in requiring automatic sprinkler systems in residences.
Some local real estate dealers opposed the measure, but fire officials strongly favored having the systems in place. The installation of automatic sprinkler systems is expected add about 1.5 percent to the cost of a new home, fire officials estimated.
Mayor Michael Howley had noted that the new systems are not as visually intrusive as in the past. The systems are now flat to the ceiling and drop down in the event of a fire.