Chapter 15.40
SMOKE DETECTORS
Sections:
15.40.010 Application and scope.
15.40.020 Definitions.
15.40.030 Conformance with nationally accepted standards.
15.40.040 Primary power supply.
15.40.050 Repealed.
15.40.060 Repealed.
15.40.070 Installation.
15.40.080 Maintenance.
15.40.090 Violation – Penalty.
15.40.010 Application and scope.
All Group R Occupancies sold, leased, let or rented in the city of Auburn shall have installed therein smoke detectors pursuant the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 4270 § 1, 1988.)
15.40.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the words set out in this section shall have the following meanings:
A. “Combination photoelectric/ionization detector” means a smoke detection device containing both an ionization and a photoelectric element.
B. Factory Built Housing. For the purpose of these rules, “factory built housing” is considered as any structure designed primarily for human occupancy other than a mobile home, the structure of any room of which is either entirely or substantially prefabricated or assembled at a place other than a building site, and which is subject to regulation by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries pursuant to RCW 43.22.450 through 43.22.490.
C. Group R Occupancies. “Group R occupancies” shall have the following meanings:
1. Group R, Division 1 of the International Building Code, guest rooms and dwelling units, i.e., hotels, motels, apartments and condominiums;
2. Group R, Division 3 of the International Building Code, dwelling units, i.e., duplexes, single-family dwellings and lodging houses;
3. Mobile home dwelling units.
D. “Ionization detector” means a smoke detector device which activates in response to invisible particles created by combustion. Sensitive to open flame fire.
E. Mobile Home. For the purpose of these rules, a “mobile home” is considered as a factory-assembled structure or structures assembled with the necessary service connections and made so as to be readily movable as a unit or units on its (their) own running gear and designed to be used as a dwelling unit without a permanent foundation, and which is subject to regulation by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries pursuant to RCW 43.22.340 through 43.22.434.
F. “Smoke detection device” means a self-contained alarm for detecting visible or invisible particles of combustion, which consists of an assembly of electrical components including a smoke chamber, alarm sounding appliance, and provision for connection to a power supply source, either by splice leads or a cord and plug arrangement or containing integral batteries. A supplemental heat detector may be included as part of the appliance. Terminals may be included for connection to a remote, audible signaling appliance or accessory. An integral transmitter may also be included to energize a remote audible signaling appliance. The smoke detection device may be of the photoelectric and/or ionization type. (Ord. 6310 § 20, 2010; Ord. 4270 § 2, 1988.)
15.40.030 Conformance with nationally accepted standards.
All smoke detection devices shall be designed and manufactured in conformance with the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Standard UL 217 and shall be approved or listed for the purposes for which they are intended. (Ord. 6310 § 21, 2010; Ord. 4270 § 3, 1988.)
15.40.040 Primary power supply.
A. The primary power supply of a smoke detection device shall be a commercial light and power source normally available in the dwelling unit. Connection to a commercial power and light source shall be in the form of permanent wiring to terminals or leads in a separate wiring compartment having provisions for the connection of a conduit, metal clad or nonmetallic sheathed cable, by means of a power supply cord and attachment-plug cap, or by means of a separate power supply.
B. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for over current protection.
C. Exception. Smoke detectors may be battery operated when installed in existing buildings built prior to January 1, 1981, or in buildings without commercial power, or in buildings which undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated by subsection D of this section.
D. When the valuation of an addition or repair to a Group R Occupancy exceeds $1,000, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing Group R Occupancies, the entire building shall be provided with smoke detectors located as required for new Group R Occupancies. (Ord. 4270 § 4, 1988.)
15.40.050 Number of smoke detector devices required.
Repealed by Ord. 6310. (Ord. 4270 § 5, 1988.)
15.40.060 Location of detection devices.
Repealed by Ord. 6310. (Ord. 4270 § 6, 1988.)
15.40.070 Installation.
A. It is the responsibility of the builder or manufacturer of each new building, mobile home or factory built housing to install smoke detection devices within each dwelling unit.
B. It is the responsibility of the owner of each existing building, mobile home or factory built housing to install smoke detection devices within each dwelling unit occupied by persons other than the owner.
C. It is the responsibility of the owner of each new or existing building, mobile home or factory built housing, containing dwelling units occupied by persons other than the owner, to inspect and test all smoke detection devices at the time of vacancy and make the necessary repairs or replacements to insure that the smoke detection devices are operational prior to reoccupancy, and to instruct the occupants of the purpose, operation and maintenance of the smoke detection device(s). (Ord. 4270 § 7, 1988.)
15.40.080 Maintenance.
It is the responsibility of the occupant of all new or existing dwelling units, owned by other than the occupant, to maintain and test all smoke detection devices installed within the dwelling unit by the owner. Actual costs of maintenance, repair or replacement of smoke detection devices shall be as agreed beforehand by the occupant and owner. However, failure of the owner to abide by the terms of any such agreement does not relieve the occupant of the responsibility to maintain the smoke detection devices in a fully operational condition at all times. Failure to do so can subject the occupant to the penalty provisions stated in ACC 15.40.090. (Ord. 4270 § 8, 1988.)
15.40.090 Violation – Penalty.
A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a civil infraction, punishable in accordance with ACC 1.25.050. (Ord. 5683 § 37, 2002; Ord. 4270 § 9, 1988.)