In 1998 some developer named Donald Trump opposed sprinkler systems in NYC apartments,

on the grounds that they were too expensive and had problems.

When a law was finally passed to require them in new buildings, it only required old buildings to add them during major renovations. That's why the Trump Tower, built in the 80's, still lacks them today (except in the lower 19 floors occupied by businesses -- they have them there.)

The article below was written after a couple fires brought more calls for sprinkler system requirements in apartment buildings.

https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/30/nyregion/new-requirement-for-sprinklers-in-apartment-buildings-is-likely.html

Last year, a Council-sponsored bill calling for sprinkler systems in high-rise apartment buildings died quietly because it was opposed by the Giuliani administration, ignored by the Council leadership and lobbied against by the real estate industry, whose ability to make sizable campaign contributions has historically made it a force to reckon with in city politics.

In 1994, the Fire Department drafted a proposal to require sprinklers in new multiple-dwelling buildings. But that plan, which was also opposed by the real estate industry, was eventually dropped by the Giuliani administration.


SNIP

Archie Spigner, the chairman of the City Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, said yesterday that he received a telephone call this week from Donald J. Trump, the real estate developer, who expressed concern about the high cost of installation and other problems that he had with sprinklers. Mr. Trump confirmed yesterday that he had ''received and placed calls'' from and to various city officials.

It is that kind of easy access to city leaders by the opposition that proponents of sprinkler legislation fear. ''It is a hard battle, because real estate interests make political contributions,'' said John A. Viniello, the president of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, which has also made contributions and whose members stand to profit from laws requiring sprinklers. ''If they are financially supporting the City Council and the Mayor, it is difficult for politicians to take action that is unpopular with them.''

SNIP

Steven Spinola, the president of the Real Estate Board of New York, an industry group, said yesterday that most fatal fires occur in two- and three-family homes, not in high-rise buildings that have fire-resistant construction. He and Mr. Trump said that in addition to being costly -- up to $4 per square foot to equip an entire building, Mr. Spinola said -- sprinklers were also prone to vandalism and mishaps, and widely disliked by tenants for esthetic reasons.