HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-0407-25R STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of Adopting Jefferson County's
Fire Safety Inspection Program RESOLUTION NO. 20-0407-25R
WHEREAS, Article XI, section 11 of the Washington Constitution, confers upon county
legislative authorities the police power to adopt such local police, sanitary and other regulations
as are not in conflict with general laws; and,
WHEREAS, Article XI, section 11 of the Washington Constitution is a direct delegation
of the police power to cities and counties, and the power delegated is as extensive within their
sphere as that possessed by the legislature; and,
WHEREAS,RCW 36.32.120(7)provides that the county legislative authorities shall make
and enforce, by appropriate resolutions or ordinances, all such police and sanitary regulations as
are not in conflict with state law; and
WHEREAS, police power is that inherent and plenary power which enables prohibition
of all things hurtful to the comfort, safety and welfare of society;and
WHEREAS, JCC 15.05.030(6) has adopted by reference the International Fire Code
adopted in chapter 51-54A WAC as the current version of the International Fire Code within the
entirety of Jefferson County; and
WHEREAS, RCW 19.27.110 requires the County to administer and enforce the
International Fire Code in the unincorporated areas of the County; and
WHEREAS,the purpose of the IFC,"is to establish the minimum requirements consistent
with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and
property protection from the hazards of fire,explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing
buildings, structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters, and
emergency responders during emergency operations;"t and
WHEREAS,pursuant to RCW 36.43.030 the Board of County Commissioners appointed
a fire marshal (Fire Marshal)to oversee the agreed upon duties, inspections and fire investigations
as set forth within the International Fire Code, as adopted by the County, and;
WHEREAS, pursuant to JCC 2.40.020(1), the Fire Marshal shall be responsible for fire
and life safety inspections, fire and arson investigation, plan review for compliance with fire and
life safety regulations, and other associated duties, as further described in JCC 15.05.020; and
'See:https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC202IP 1/chapter-l-scope-and-administration.Accessed March 2,2025
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WHEREAS, pursuant to JCC 15.05.020, the Fire Marshal is charged with the
administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code as well as any amendments thereof
adopted in in chapter 15.05 JCC; and
WHEREAS,Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code has requirements for fire protection
systems,defined as"Approved devices,equipment and systems or combinations of systems used
to detect a fire,activate an alarm,extinguish or control a fire,or manage smoke and products of a
fire or any combination thereof'and"prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire
protection systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants of
fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke
and controlling or extinguishing the fire;"2 and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code has requirements for life
safety systems, defined as "Systems, devices and equipment that enhance or facilitate
evacuation, smoke control, compartmentalization and/or isolation,"3 and
WHEREAS, sections in Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code have
requirements for fire protection systems and life safety systems, including Automatic
Sprinkler Systems (Section 903), Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems
(Section 904), Standpipe Systems(Section 905),Portable Fire Extinguishers(Section 906),
Fire Alarm and Detection Systems (Section 907), Emergency Alarm Systems (Section
908), Smoke Control Systems (Section 909), Smoke and Heat Removal (Section 910),
Explosion Control(Section 911), Fire Department Connections(Section 912), Fire Pumps
(Section 913), Fire Protection Based on Special Detailed Requirements of Use and
Occupancy (Section 914), Carbon Monoxide Detection (Section 915), Gas Detection
Systems(Section 916), and Mass Notification Systems (Section 917);4 and
WHEREAS, pursuant to JCC 15.05.046(1) in accordance with its police powers,
the County Board of Commissioners has adopted a commercial fire safety inspection
program to ensure that commercial buildings and other premises and occupancy classes
meet fire safety standards necessary to protect employees, occupants, and the public; and
to provide legally mandated fire code enforcement, as required by the Washington State
Fire Marshal's Office and Chapter 51-54A WAC; and
WHEREAS, as directed by JCC 15.05.046(2) the Fire Marshal has developed a
commercial fire safety inspection program, attached as Appendix A, to ensure fire safety
in commercial buildings and other premises and occupancy classes which the Fire Marshal
determines should have periodic inspections to ensure fire safety, to conduct inspections
of commercial buildings and other premises and occupancy classes in Jefferson County to
ensure compliance with the International Fire Code, and to determine the frequency of
inspections based on the hazards associated with each type of occupancy and as may be
mandated by chapter 51-54A WAC; and
2 See: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC202IP 1/chapter-2-definitions,Accessed March 2,2025.
3 See:https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC202IP1/chapter-2-definitions#IFC2021P1 PtO I Ch02_Sec202,
Accessed March 2,2025.
4 See: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2021P I/chapter-9-fire-protection-and-life-safety-systems,Accessed on
March 2,2025.
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
JEFFERSON COUNTY,WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
hereby adopts the above "Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to adopt Jefferson County's Fire Safety
Inspection Program, attached in Appendix A, which outlines how the commercial fire safety
inspection program operates in Jefferson County.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or section of this
Resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this
Resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be
affected.
Section 4. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This Resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19).
Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon
approval and adoption by the Board of County Commissioners.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
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ADOPTED and APPROVED this /� day of 4 , 2025.
- 12°SEAL: JEF EERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
CO TY MMISSIONERS
�._ 20N CCG., Heidi isenhour, C
. .\SSIp�. -A
SEAL i
eg rotherton, Member
N%A% o ,
O•........ •••.\�G,.4.
WASH°...` dley-Nollette, Member
ATTEST: n� APPROVED AS TO FORM:
5 kepi 63�L�1,cw y/746- Melissa Carolyn llaway, CMC De Pleimann, Date `/asp/zs
Clerk of the Board Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
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APPENDIX A
Fire and Life Safety Inspection Program
As directed by JCC 15.05.046(2)the Fire Marshal has developed a commercial fire safety
inspection program to ensure fire safety in commercial buildings and other premises and
occupancy classes which the Fire Marshal determines should have periodic inspections to ensure
fire safety,to conduct inspections of commercial buildings and other premises and occupancy
classes in Jefferson County to ensure compliance with the International Fire Code, and to
determine the frequency of inspections based on the hazards associated with each type of
occupancy and as may be mandated by chapter 51-54A WAC.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions.
Why are we inspecting?
It's the law Section 19.27.110 of the Revised Code of Washington and)adopted the 2021
International Fire Code (IFC), requiring local governments to enforce the IFC within their
jurisdictions. The IFC mandates periodic fire and life safety inspections of businesses. The IFC
also requires local government's Fire Code Official to keep records of each inspections made,
including notices and orders issued, showing the findings and dispositions of each. The fire
marshal for Jefferson County is the designated Fire Code Official under the IFC and is
authorized by section 2.40.020 of the Jefferson County Code to promulgate such rules,policies
or procedures responsible for conducting fire and life safety inspections, and enforcing
regulations and conduct related to fire prevention and fire safety. Section 15.05.046(2) of the
Jefferson County Code directed the Fire Marshal to develop this Commercial Fire Safety
Inspection Program to ensure fire safety in commercial buildings and other premises and
occupancy classes to ensure compliance with the IFC. This inspection is performed to reduce
risks before an emergency occurs and minimize the damage caused by a fire or other accident.
Jefferson County's Commercial Fire Safety Inspection Program was developed to provide the
best in fire prevention service with the least disruption to your business. Regular fire and life
safety inspections are critical to fire prevention. Not only do fire and life safety inspections
protect people and property, but they can reduce fire and casualty insurance premiums by
improving a fire district's rating.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The Jefferson County Fire Marshal's Office
is pleased to have the opportunity to team up with Building Owners and Business Managers to
provide a safe business environment.
Who will be inspected?
All commercial occupancies in unincorporated Jefferson County will be inspected. Commercial
occupancies are defined as other than one and two family dwellings. The City of Port Townsend
in not included in this program.
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Can I request an inspection?
In an effort to conduct the fire and life safety inspections at a reasonable time, business are
encouraged to schedule their inspection by calling the Deputy Fire Marshal at the Department of
Community Development at 360-379-4469 or by sending an email to
btracer@co.jefferson.wa.us.
Is there a fee for these inspections?
The fee for an inspection under Jefferson County's Commercial Fire Safety Inspection Program
is listed in the Fee Schedule for the Office of the Fire Marshal established by Jefferson
Resolution No. 47-0819-24R.The current fee for an inspection is $294.00.
Payment is required before the fire and life safety inspection certificate is issued. Payment is
accepted by credit card or check. Checks should be mailed or delivered to:
Department of Community Development(DCD)
621 Sheridan St. in Port Townsend(98368)
Credit card payments can be made through the online portal at:
https://www.co jefferson.wa.us/617/Credit-Card-E-Check-Payments-for-Permits.
Please note that a convenience fee is charged for all online payments.
Who will be performing these inspections?
Inspections will be done by trained professional employees of the Office of the Fire Marshal.
They are trained to identify themselves and show proper identification for every inspection.
Currently,these inspectors are employees of the county, however, in the future, the fire marshal
may appoint life and safety inspection authority to qualified inspectors from a local fire district
for inspections within that district.
What can I do to be ready for my inspection?
Businesses are encouraged to use the Jefferson County Office of the Fire Marshal (JCOFM)
Business Self-Inspection Form as guide to prepare for in-person inspections. A common list of
violations include: blocked exits, missing fire extinguishers, missing electrical cover plates, basic
housekeeping issues, occupancy load, or inadequate fire separations. Many of these common
violations can be resolved quickly and inexpensively. If you have questions, please call our
office at 360.379.4450.
How often will my business be inspected?
The frequency of inspection is determined by resource allocation and personnel availability. An
in-person inspection of a building or business will occur every two years. In the off years,
businesses will be required to perform a self-inspection. Self-inspection will be done by the
business utilizing the JCOFM Business Self-Inspection Form. Depending on the results of self-
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inspection,an inspector may request permission to inspect the occupancy or to follow-up with
related questions associated with the submitted JCOFM Business Self-Inspection Form. The
Jefferson County Office of the Fire Marshal will make every effort to conduct the inspection at a
reasonable time. Ongoing program efficiencies will be sought for owners requiring multiple
inspections across separate occupancies on the same premises. These may be provided at a
prorated fee on top of the base fee minimum.
How do I find out the results? A copy of the inspection report will be sent to you after
inspection payment has been received. An annual compliance certificate will accompany passed
inspection results.
What if deficiencies are found?
The initial inspection, as well as, one follow-up reinspection to confirm correction of
deficiencies are included in the inspection fee. If subsequent inspections by the Fire Marshal are
required to resolve any additional deficiencies,reinspections will be at our hourly rate.
If deficiencies are noted during the inspection the Fire Marshal will schedule a reinspection,
allowing you adequate time to correct problems. For minor deficiencies, self-reinspection may be
permitted, allowing you to conduct your own reinspection by photo documentation and
communicate the results. The schedule for reinspection for correction of deficiencies is as
follows:
I \IREME HAZARDS 1 Hour to Correct the Hazard.
Locked/Blocked Exits
Over the Posted Occupancy Limit
Imminent Life or Fire Hazards
HIGH HAZARDS 7 Days to Correct the Hazard. Follow-up Needed.
Major Electrical Problems
Fire System O.O.S.
Major Electrical Problems
MODERATEAZARDS 14 Days to Correct the Hazard. Follow-up Needed.
Extinguisher Servicing
Exit lights and signs
Unapproved electrical cords
LOW HAZARDS MEV 30 Days to Correct the Hazard. Follow-up Needed.
Construction Issues
Fire Protection System Upgrades
Holes in fire rated walls.
Non-operational fire door assemblies
Other fire codes not-listed above
This reinspection schedule may be altered if an acceptable timetable for compliance is agreed to
and documented. Deficiencies will be prioritized with respect to their degree of hazard with
emphasis on those items that adversely affect life safety. However, only those items that require
an extended period for correction, as determined by the Fire Marshal, will be considered for a
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time extension. All other corrections must be completed within the time schedule listed above. If
voluntary compliance cannot be obtained,the case may be referred for code compliance in
accordance with the County's Code Compliance regulations in Title 19 of the Jefferson County
Code or to the Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office for appropriate action.
Egregious or imminent threats to life or safety can result in an immediate Stop Work order,
ceasing business activity and immediate order of evacuation.
If you disagree with our interpretation of the IFC on an enforcement issue,you have the right to
appeal to our decision. Information on this process will be provided upon request.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
FROM: Phil Cecere, Fire Marshal
DATE: April 7, 2025
RE: Resolution to establish the Commercial Fire Inspection Program
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Fire Marshal requests an appearance in front of the Board of County Commissioner to
introduce a resolution to establish the Jefferson County Commercial Fire Safety Inspection
Program.
ANALYSIS:
Pursuant to JCC 15.05.046(1) in accordance with its police powers,the County Board of
Commissioners has adopted a commercial fire safety inspection program to ensure that
commercial buildings and other premises and occupancy classes meet fire safety standards
necessary to protect employees,occupants,and the public; and to provide legally mandated fire
code enforcement,as required by the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office and Chapter 51-
54A WAC.
As directed by JCC 15.05.046(2)the Fire Marshal has developed a commercial fire safety
inspection program to ensure fire safety in commercial buildings and other premises and
occupancy classes which the Fire Marshal determines should have periodic inspections to ensure
fire safety,to conduct inspections of commercial buildings and other premises and occupancy
classes in Jefferson County to ensure compliance with the International Fire Code, and to
determine the frequency of inspections based on the hazards associated with each type of
occupancy and as may be mandated by chapter 51-54A WAC.
Appendix A in the attached resolution describes how the Jefferson County Fire Safety
Inspection Program operates. Adoption of the resolution promotes public awareness and
program transparency.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Fire Marshal expects this program to be funded for the fees established in Resolution 47-
0819-24R.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider and possibly take action to adopt the resolution regarding Jefferson County's Fire
Safety Inspection Program.
REVIE D BY:
Mark McCaule , ounty Administrator ate