Chapter 16.14
SMOKE DETECTORS
Sections:
16.14.010 Application and scope.
16.14.030 Conformance with nationally accepted standards.
16.14.040 Primary power supply.
16.14.050 Number of smoke detector devices required.
16.14.060 Location of detection devices.
16.14.090 Violation – Penalty.
16.14.010 Application and scope.
All Group R occupancies sold, leased, let or rented in the city of Enumclaw shall have installed therein smoke detectors pursuant to the provisions of this chapter listed in the International Building Code, International Residential Code and the International Fire Code adopted by the state of Washington. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.020 Definitions.
For this chapter, the words set out in this section shall have the following meanings:
A. Existing Building. For the purpose of these rules an “existing building” is considered as any structure in existence prior to December 31, 1980, any portion of which is used, intended for use or thereafter converted for use as a dwelling unit by any person or persons other than the owner who do not otherwise qualify as a guest or member of the household of the owner.
B. Factory-Built Housing. For the purpose of these rules, “factory-built housing” is considered as any structure designed primarily for human occupancy other than a mobile home, the structure of any room of which is either entirely or substantially prefabricated or assembled at a place other than a building site, and which is subject to regulation by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries pursuant to RCW 43.22.450 through 43.22.490.
C. Mobile Home. For the purpose of these rules, a “mobile home” is considered as a factory-assembled structure or structures assembled with the necessary service connections and made so as to be readily movable as a unit or units on its (their) own running gear and designed to be used as a dwelling unit without a permanent foundation, and which is subject to regulation by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries pursuant to RCW 43.22.340 through 43.22.434. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.030 Conformance with nationally accepted standards.
All smoke detection devices shall be designed and manufactured in conformance with the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Standard UL 217 or International Conference of Building Officials Standards 43-6, and shall be approved or listed for the purposes for which they are intended. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.040 Primary power supply.
A. The primary power supply of a smoke detection device shall be a commercial light and power source normally available in the dwelling unit. Connection to a commercial power and light source shall be in the form of permanent wiring to terminals or leads in a separate wiring compartment having provisions for the connection of a conduit, metal clad or nonmetallic sheathed cable, by means of a power supply cord and attachment-plug cap, or by means of a separate power supply.
B. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection.
C. Exception. Smoke detectors may be battery operated when installed in existing buildings built prior to January 1, 1981, or in buildings without commercial power, or in buildings which undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated by subsection D of this section. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.050 Number of smoke detector devices required.
At least one smoke detection device shall be installed to protect the sleeping area within each dwelling unit. A “sleeping area” is defined as the area or areas of the dwelling unit in which the bedrooms (or rooms) used for sleeping are separated by other use areas (such as kitchens or living rooms but not bathrooms or closets), or are located on different stories or floor levels; they shall be considered as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of these rules. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.060 Location of detection devices.
A. Smoke detection devices shall be installed outside of bedrooms or rooms used for sleeping purposes but in the immediate vicinity of such rooms, centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to the rooms. In dwelling units without separate sleeping rooms, the smoke detection devices shall be centrally located in the main room. Smoke detection devices shall be located on or near the ceiling. Smoke detection devices should be installed in those locations recommended by the manufacturer except in those cases where the space above the ceiling is open to the outside and little or no insulation is present over the ceiling. Such cases result in the ceiling being excessively cold in the winter time or excessively hot in the summer time. Where the ceiling is significantly different in temperature from the air space below, smoke has difficulty reaching the ceiling and to a detector which may be placed there. In this situation, placement of the detector on a side wall, within the top four inches to 12 inches from the ceiling is preferred. In dwelling units employing radiant heating in the ceiling, the wall location is the preferred location. Radiant heating in the ceiling can create a hot-air boundary layer along the ceiling surface which can seriously restrict the movement of smoke to a ceiling-mounted detector.
B. A smoke detection device installed in a stairwell shall be so located as to assure that smoke rising in the stairwell cannot be prevented from reaching the detection device by an intervening door or obstruction.
C. Smoke detection devices in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than one foot rise per eight feet horizontally shall be located at the high side of the room.
D. Smoke detection devices shall not be mounted in front of an air supply duct outlet or between the bedroom and the furnace cold air return.
E. A smoke detector shall be installed in the basement of dwelling units having a stairway which opens from the basement into the dwelling. Such detector shall be connected to a sounding device or other detector to provide an alarm which will be audible in the sleeping area. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.070 Installation.
A. It is the responsibility of the builder or manufacturer of each new building, mobile home or factory-built housing to install smoke detection devices within each dwelling unit.
B. It is the responsibility of the owner of each existing building, mobile home or factory-built housing to install smoke detection devices within each dwelling unit occupied by persons other than the owner.
C. It is the responsibility of the owner of each new or existing building, mobile home or factory-built housing, containing dwelling units occupied by persons other than the owner, to inspect and test all smoke detection devices at the time of vacancy and make the necessary repairs or replacements to ensure that the smoke detection devices are operational prior to occupancy, and to instruct the occupants of the purpose, operation and maintenance of the smoke detection device(s). (Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.080 Maintenance.
It is the responsibility of the occupant of all new or existing dwelling units, owned by other than the occupant, to maintain and test all smoke detection devices installed within the dwelling unit by the owner. Actual costs of maintenance, repair or replacement of smoke detection devices shall be as agreed beforehand by the occupant and owner. However, failure of the owner to abide by the terms of any such agreement does not relieve the occupant of the responsibility to maintain the smoke detection devices in a fully operational condition at all times. Failure to do so can subject the occupant to the penalty provisions stated in Chapter 1.08 EMC. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).
16.14.090 Violation – Penalty.
A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a civil infraction, punishable in accordance with Chapter 1.08 EMC. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2401, 2008).