Richland, WA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

The R3 row of Richland's Table 20.05.020, adopted as part of RMC § 20.05.020 in the fire alarm and sprinkler chapter, requires a 'single station smoke alarm' for the R3 occupancy group, which covers single-family dwellings, duplexes, and child care operations serving five or more persons for less than 24 hours. The table cites the International Fire Code (IFC) as the authority for that smoke alarm line, distinguishing it from the carbon monoxide requirement in the same row, which is instead tied to the Washington Administrative Code.

Unlike many of the other occupancy rows in the table, which gate their alarm and sprinkler obligations behind square-footage or occupant-load thresholds, the R3 smoke alarm line carries no size qualifier and applies to every qualifying dwelling in the city. All systems required by Table 20.05.020, including smoke alarms, fall under the general maintenance duties of RMC § 20.05.020: owners must maintain current contact information for the system under subsection F, and any required periodic testing and maintenance documentation must reach Richland fire and emergency services within 14 calendar days of completion under subsection E.

Detection and alarm system design generally must follow NFPA 72 under the related RMC § 20.06.070, which governs the type of alarm equipment installed once a system is triggered by Table 20.05.020.