Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-922.3 as follows:
§15.2-922.3. Water-based fire protection systems in certain construction.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a locality may by ordinance require the installation of automatic water-based fire protection systems in new townhouse construction. Such ordinance shall require that installation of an automatic water-based fire protection system be completed in compliance with standards, requirements, and specifications for the installation of an automatic water-based fire protection system as prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies; or NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code.