Everett's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Everett, Washington, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Everett allows LP-gas and natural-gas fire pits, fire bowls and fire tables when used as intended, but bars them from balconies and decks and within 10 feet of combustible construction on multifamily buildings without sprinklers.

Key details: Covered devices: Gas fire-bowls, fire-tables, fire-pits. Balcony/deck use: Prohibited. Setback: 10 ft from combustible construction (multifamily). Sprinkler exception: Allowed if building has fire sprinklers.

Placing an LP-gas fire pit on a balcony or deck, or too close to combustible construction on an unsprinklered multifamily building, forfeits the exception and is treated as unlawful outdoor burning.

Propane Storage

Everett caps liquefied petroleum gas storage at any one installation to 2,000 gallons of water capacity under its fire code, and every LP-gas system must also comply with the zoning code and the state-adopted NFPA 58 storage standard, per Everett Municipal Code § 16.03.440.

Key details: Storage cap: 2,000 gallons water capacity per installation, EMC 16.03.440. Zoning tie-in: Installation must also comply with Everett Zoning Code, Title 19. Installation standard: NFPA 58 and ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, EMC 16.005.030(C). Residential tank setback: 3 ft minimum from side/rear lot line, EMC 19.06.030. Screening: Tank must be visually screened from streets and neighbors.

Because Section 6104.2 sits inside Chapter 16.03, violations follow the fire code's general enforcement rule at Section 112.4: correction is the property owner's responsibility, and non-compliance is prosecuted as a civil infraction under EMC Chapter 1.20, carrying a civil fine of up to $250 per day under EMC 1.16.010 or, if pursued criminally, a misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 and a year in jail.

Fireworks

Everett bans the sale, possession, and discharge of fireworks within city limits: consumer fireworks are allowed only for licensed public displays or narrow permitted religious or private uses, with violations ranging from $250 infractions to gross misdemeanors.

Key details: Governing section: EMC 16.60.090(A). Sale: Prohibited citywide, EMC 16.60.105. Possession: Prohibited, $250 infraction. Exception: Licensed public display only. Enforcement: Fire marshal, peace-officer powers.

Discharge and possession are nontraffic infractions carrying a $250 fine plus state public safety assessments (EMC 16.60.090, 16.60.140); selling fireworks without a permit is a gross misdemeanor under EMC 16.60.105.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Everett actively enforces its fireworks requirements.

The Bottom Line

Everett's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Everett is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Everett can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.