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.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in King County handle smoke detectors.
See how Auburn's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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