Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House passes Bellmon bill incentivizing fire sprinkler systems in Philadelphia high-rises

House passes Bellmon bill incentivizing fire sprinkler systems in Philadelphia high-rises

Philadelphia House Delegation    July 8, 2025 | 3:47 PM

HARRISBURG, July 8 - Today, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation (H.B. 1668) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., which would permit Philadelphia to establish a property tax abatement program for the retrofitting of fire sprinkler systems in residential high-rises.

All residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia built after 1991 must have fire sprinkler systems, and all commercial buildings must be retrofitted with sprinkler systems. However, this requirement does not exist for residential high-rise buildings that were built before 1991. 

“When there's a fire, sprinkler systems can save lives and protect property. Unfortunately, older residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia aren't required to have these systems, putting thousands of residents at risk,” Bellmon said. “The safety of a building and its residents shouldn’t be determined by the year it was built, and for that reason, I am glad to see my bill pass the House.”

It is estimated that over 26,000 Philadelphians live in residential buildings greater than six-stories high that are not equipped with fire sprinkler systems.

The program would allow the city to establish the timelines and define which residential high-rise structures within the city are eligible for the abatement.

House Bill 1668 now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.