Auburn, WA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Smoke Alarm Locations
- Every bedroom and level
- CO Alarm Law
- RCW 19.27.530
- Interconnected Required
- New construction only
- Free Program
- VRFA with Red Cross
- Landlord Duty
- RCW 59.18.130
Summary
Auburn follows the 2021 IFC under ACC 15.36. Smoke alarms required in each bedroom, outside sleep areas, every level. CO alarms required in dwellings with fuel appliances per RCW 19.27.530.
RCW 19.27.530 Carbon monoxide alarms — Requirements — Exemptions — Adoption of rules.
(1) By July 1, 2010, the building code council shall adopt rules requiring that all buildings classified as residential occupancies, as defined in the state building code in chapter 51-54 WAC, but excluding owner-occupied single-family residences legally occupied before July 26, 2009, be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. (2)(a) The building code council may phase in the carbon monoxide alarm requirements on a schedule that it determines reasonable, provided that the rules require that by January 1, 2011, all newly constructed buildings classified as residential occupancies will be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms, and all other buildings classified as residential occupancies will be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms by January 1, 2013.
(b) Owner-occupied single-family residences legally occupied before July 26, 2009, are exempt from the requirements of this subsection (2). However, for any owner-occupied single-family residence that is sold on or after July 26, 2009, the seller must equip the residence with carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the requirements of the state building code before the buyer or any other person may legally occupy the residence following such sale.
(3) The building code council may exempt categories of buildings classified as residential occupancies if it determines that requiring carbon monoxide alarms are unnecessary to protect the health and welfare of the occupants.
(4) The rules adopted by the building code council under this section must (a) consider applicable nationally accepted standards and (b) require that the maintenance of a carbon monoxide alarm in a building where a tenancy exists, including the replacement of batteries, is the responsibility of the tenant, who shall maintain the alarm as specified by the manufacturer.
(5) Real estate brokers licensed under chapter 18.85 RCW shall not be liable in any civil, administrative, or other proceeding for the failure of any seller or other property owner to comply with the requirements of this section or rules adopted by the building code council. [ 2012 c 132 s 4 ; 2009 c 313 s 2 .]
Full Breakdown
Auburn adopts the 2021 International Fire Code and Washington State Residential Code (IRC) through ACC Chapter 15.36. Smoke alarms must be installed inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleep area, and on every story including basements. New construction and major renovations require hardwired smoke alarms with battery backup, interconnected so that activation of one triggers all. Carbon monoxide alarms are required by RCW 19.27.530 in every dwelling unit with a fuel-burning appliance (gas, oil, wood, pellet) or an attached garage, placed outside each sleeping area and on every level. Landlords must install and maintain working alarms before each new tenancy under RCW 59.18.130. Tampering with or disabling smoke or CO alarms is a misdemeanor under ACC 8.20. Valley Regional Fire Authority runs a free smoke alarm installation program for low-income residents through partnership with the American Red Cross. Existing homes without CO alarms must be retrofitted at the time of sale or new tenancy under state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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