Deerfield’s board of trustees was poised to adopt wholesale a set of changes to building codes.

That’s when IAR Government Affairs Director Howard Handler stepped in to ask why new homes would be required to have sprinkler systems installed under the proposed changes. Handler is a Deerfield resident, and works with the Northshore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® on IAR’s behalf.

Handler spoke with IAR Communications about the proposal, and how he was able to help stop trsutees from immediately voting on the measure.

The board is expected to take up the building code changes in October, but already several members have questioned what the impact might be on the community.

See Handler’s take on the proposal, and what he has told trustees about the measure which could add perhaps $10,000 to the cost of a new home.