New Lenox Fire Board Denies Homeowner’s Request for Sprinkler System Variance

New Lenox Fire Protection District Meeting | July 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously denied a variance request from a homeowner who sought to install a fire sprinkler system only in the living quarters of his home and not in the unfinished basement. The board upheld the fire marshal’s initial denial, citing code requirements for full coverage.

Raymond Drive Variance Request Key Points:

• Homeowner Raymond Kalinsky of 12402 W Raymond Drive requested the variance for his property.

• He proposed sprinkling the home’s living quarters but not the full basement, which he does not plan to finish.

• The board voted unanimously to deny the request, siding with Fire Marshal James Brown’s decision.

• The district’s attorney will issue a formal letter to the homeowner confirming the denial.

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, July 21, 2025, unanimously denied a homeowner’s request for a partial fire sprinkler system, affirming a decision previously made by the district’s fire marshal.

Homeowner Raymond Kalinsky of 12402 W Raymond Drive addressed the board to appeal the denial of his variance request. Kalinsky explained that while he intended to install a complete sprinkler system in the living quarters of his home, he did not want to install sprinklers throughout his full basement, which he does not plan to finish. He told the board he had received a quote for the proposed work of between $25,000 and $35,000.

The request had been previously denied by Fire Marshal James Brown based on fire code requirements for comprehensive sprinkler coverage.

After discussing the matter, the board sided with the fire marshal. Acting President Cory Scanlan presented a motion to deny the variance, which was moved by Trustee Keith Popp and seconded by Trustee Brian Fischer. The denial was approved by a 4-0 vote. The board then passed a subsequent motion directing district attorney John Motylinski to issue a formal letter to Kalinsky communicating the board’s final decision.