Chapter 16.06
TINY SHELTER BUILDING STANDARDS
Sections:
16.06.020 Affixing tiny shelter to ground.
16.06.050 Fire protection devices.
16.06.090 Multiple sleeping areas.
16.06.100 Identification of units, labeling.
16.06.010 Purpose.
The following construction standards apply to any tiny shelter permitted under PTMC 17.62.040. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.020 Affixing tiny shelter to ground.
Tiny shelters shall be affixed to the ground by approved methods to resist overturning under ordinary service conditions, including wind events. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.030 Egress.
A. Tiny shelters must have at least one door with a minimum clear width opening of 32 inches.
B. Tiny shelters must be a minimum of 10 feet from other structures or other tiny shelters.
C. Locks or latches on doors and windows that might inhibit an emergency escape from within the unit are prohibited. A single-cylinder deadbolt lock or lever-handled door latch is permitted, as long as it does not require the use of a tool or key to lock or unlock it from inside the unit.
D. If egress requirements are met by an outswing door, a landing appropriately sized for the swing of door is required. All tiny shelters shall be provided with a landing a minimum of 36 inches wide. If needed, the landing shall have a ramp or steps with a handrail as specified in the International Building Code or International Residential Code. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.040 Ventilation.
A. Each tiny shelter shall contain one operable window that allows for user-controlled ventilation. The window must meet egress requirements and be located on a separate wall from the door.
B. Alternatively, an outswing door allowing egress from the tiny shelter may be substituted for the operable egress window. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.050 Fire protection devices.
A. Tiny shelters must contain a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector with 10-year lithium batteries.
B. Tiny shelters shall contain a fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 1-A:10-B:C. The fire extinguisher may be attached to the tiny shelter’s exterior adjacent to the egress door. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.060 Interior finishes.
Interior finishes must have a Class C (flame spread index of 76-200, smoke developed index of 0-450) rating or better. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.070 Exterior lighting.
Tiny shelters shall be provided with an exterior porch light if dusk-to-dawn exterior lighting is not provided on the grounds of the tiny shelter village. The exterior porch light must be hard-wired with outlets. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.080 Electrical.
A. Concealed wiring shall be performed in accordance with the Washington State Electrical Code and NFPA 70. Electrical work shall be inspected and permitted through the Department of Labor and Industries.
B. In-wall mounted, surface-mounted or freestanding heaters must meet national standards such as UL and be provided with an auto-tilt shut-off feature. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.090 Multiple sleeping areas.
Any tiny shelter with more than one sleeping area must be built to International Residential Code Appendix Q – Tiny Homes standards, or be affixed with a label from Washington State Labor and Industries. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).
16.06.100 Identification of units, labeling.
A. All tiny shelters must be permanently affixed with an “Emergency Shelter” label on the door frame of each unit. Such label shall bear a legible date of original manufacture.
B. There must be clear numbering of all individual units labeled on the exterior of unit. (Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.E), 2024).