Federal Way, WA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Smoke Code
- WAC 51-51-0314
- CO Code
- RCW 19.27.530
- Location
- Every bedroom and floor
- Battery Rule
- 10-yr sealed (RCW 43.44.110)
- Local Adoption
- FWRC 13.22
Summary
Federal Way enforces WAC 51-51-0314 via FWRC 13.22. Smoke alarms required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. CO detectors required per RCW 19.27.530 in all dwellings.
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.
Full Breakdown
FWRC Chapter 13.22 adopts the Washington State Residential Code including WAC 51-51-0314, which requires smoke alarms in each bedroom, in the hallway immediately outside each sleeping area, and on every story of the dwelling including basements and habitable attics. In new construction and when performing alterations, repairs, or additions requiring a permit, alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so that activation of any one alarm sounds all alarms. Existing homes without hardwired alarms may use battery-powered alarms meeting the same location requirements. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all dwelling units under RCW 19.27.530 and WAC 51-51-0315, placed outside each separate sleeping area and on each story. Landlords must install and test alarms before tenant occupancy; tenants are responsible for battery replacement and notifying landlords of failures. The Washington State 10-year sealed battery rule (RCW 43.44.110) applies to new alarm purchases.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide required smoke/CO alarms: building code violation, civil infraction under FWRC 1.15, plus potential landlord liability under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I need smoke alarms in a Federal Way home?
Do I need carbon monoxide detectors too?
Who is responsible for alarms in rentals, landlord or tenant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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