Mr. King,
Your blog seems to be very misinformed, regarding residential fire sprinkler systems. First you state that Council "will decide whether or not to require owners of private residences to install sprinkler systems". Council can't make anyone install these in existing single family residential structures, with exceptions regarding major construction changes to an existing structure, i.e. when the building department becomes involved. You seem to imply that everyone will have to retrofit systems into their existing homes, which just isn't the case.
Second, you state these systems would be subject to inspections by the Fire Department, which again is incorrect. The Fire Department Does Not inspect private residential dwellings, unless requested by the homeowner themselves or if called in by Building Officials, due to some type of hazard reported or found. The only other time the Fire Department could possibly "inspect" a single family residential structure is if they are already there for an emergency call, and something is found amiss, at which time usually Building Officials are called in to monitor the problem and follow up on it.
Only commercial structures are inspected by the fire department, and this is completed annually. Further, Fire Department Officials Do Not inspect the installed suppression systems (Sprinkler Systems) on commercial properties, as they require this be completed by private contracted companies, usually sprinkler companies, and that occupants or in many cases lease management maintain records of such tests.
Third, you state "many of the existing residences of Peachtree City were not constructed with sprinkler systems:. You are correct to a degree, but must be confusing "Irrigation sprinkler systems" with "Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems", because "many" is actually about 99.5 percent of the single family residential structures in Peachtree City Don't have them.
While I'm personally not aware of what is going before the City Council regarding installed protection systems, I am very aware of the benefits. Having participated in a study back in the early 1980's, funded by some insurance companies, and as I recall involving UL Labs, my previous fire department installed sprinkler systems in several houses we were using for fire training. We (firefighters) were paid on our off days to install residential fire protection systems in several homes, and then participated in the burn tests. It's obvious, as statistically proven for years, that installed sprinkler systems extinguish or hold in check fires 96 percent of the time - ultimately saving lives and property. Back when we did these tests, I remember being told that it only added about $1,000 - $1,500 to the cost of the home, if done while the house was being built, but much more if done as a retrofit. I also remember at least a few of my coworkers retrofitting there own homes with these residential systems following these tests.
I'm also aware of some municipalities that have added such requirements for all new construction, and personally know of one city that has had such a requirement for All structures in their city, for many years. An old acquaintance of mine works at this city, and recently was promoted to the Chief's position, which in this particular city makes him also the person whom oversees the Building Department. This city chose to put the Building Department under the direction of the Fire Chief years ago - many tie ins and correlation's, especially when building construction itself relates ultimately so much to occupant, as well as firefighter safety. This city rarely ever has fires, even with a daytime population in excess of something like 75k - 100k, I don't remember them having very many fires, but accidents, fire alarms, commercial building inspections and the like, kept them very busy.
Another benefit in adding installed suppression systems to a home beyond safety, is the fact that most insurance companies will recognize this in reduced insurance rates - ultimately paying for itself in time.
Intheknow

Hate to tell you but the State may require this depending on the size of the residence. This has been one of the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Agency. I know you guys do not want your homes invaded but if you do not build a REALLY big house you should be OK.

You need not worry about the fire department coming into your home and inspecting you system.
It isn't done now for the other code violations that our businesses have all the time. Or rarely.
The owner of a fire extinguisher company once got the state government to pass a law saying that you had to have your fire extinguishers checked every year and certified by special companies---his mainly.
What they do is dust them off---look in the end for mud-dobbers and charge you a fee. Then re-fill or replace every five years.

I suspect PTC would do the same, as they do now for wood eating insects.
Lets start a sprinkler and check sprinkler company!