Spokane follows the Washington State Building Code and the International Residential Code as adopted through SMC Chapter 17F, requiring sprinklers in townhomes meeting size or layout triggers and in larger multifamily and commercial buildings.
Washington adopts the IRC and IFC under RCW 19.27, and Spokane enforces them through SMC Chapter 17F. Single-family detached homes generally are not required to have sprinklers, but townhouses with three or more attached units, multifamily buildings under IBC R-2, and most commercial occupancies require NFPA 13D, 13R, or 13 sprinkler systems based on occupancy and size. Existing buildings undergoing substantial alterations or change of occupancy can also trigger sprinkler retrofits. Spokane Fire Department reviews sprinkler plans and conducts hydrostatic and final acceptance tests before issuing certificates of occupancy.
Building or occupying without required sprinklers can produce stop-work orders, certificate-of-occupancy denial, and civil penalties under SMC Chapter 17F until corrections pass SFD inspection.
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See how Spokane's fire sprinkler requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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