CarsonJohn

There are good arguments on both sides. I do know that automatic sprinklers make a big difference for the good in commercial buildings, and they seem to also be a plus when applied to residential

The ICC is not making law, and they are not forcing anything on anybody. They simply provide a model code which state and local governments are free to adopt in toto or in part or not at all. The changes they make to the code are extensively reviewed. If you want to be part of that process, join the ICC. It doesn't cost much.

To me the code is about safety, and we are safer because of it. If everyone did the right thing, we wouldn't need the code or laws for that matter. But we know how well that works.