Yakima, WA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Two state statutes set the baseline for residential life-safety alarms across Yakima: (a) RCW 43.44.110 requires that smoke detection devices be designed, manufactured, and installed inside dwelling units in conformance with state rules and regulations, with the owner responsible for installation. RCW 43.44.110 requires alarms in all dwelling units occupied by persons other than the owner on or after December 31, 1981, or built or manufactured in Washington after December 31, 1980. Maintenance, including battery replacement, is the tenant's responsibility; at vacancy, the owner must ensure the device is operational before reoccupancy. For any dwelling unit sold on or after July 1, 2019 that does not already have at least one smoke detection device, the seller must provide one before the buyer or any other person occupies the dwelling. (b) RCW 19.27.530 requires carbon monoxide alarms in all newly constructed single-family residences (as of January 1, 2011) and in all existing residences, apartments, and condominiums (as of January 1, 2013), with a sale-trigger for owner-occupied single-family homes legally occupied before July 26, 2009 - alarms must be in place before the buyer may occupy following the sale. CO alarms are required outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home; CO alarms with tamper-resistant 10-year lithium batteries are accepted unless the home is hardwired. The Washington State Building Code adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) statewide under RCW 19.27, and the 2021 Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A) adopted by YMC Chapter 10.05 incorporates IFC Section 1103.8 / 907.2.11 requirements for smoke alarms in existing R-occupancies. Penalties for noncompliance with RCW 43.44.110 are up to $200 per RCW 43.44.110(3).