New Law Requiring Fire Sprinklers in Nightclubs
Washington State legislation has approved Second Substitute House Bill (SSHB) 1811 requiring fire sprinklers to be installed in existing nightclubs by December 1, 2009.
The term "nightclub" has been identified in RCW 19.27.510 as follows:
"Nightclub" means an A-2 occupancy use under the 2006 international building code in which the aggregate area of concentrated use of unfixed chairs and standing space that is specifically designated and primarily used for dancing or viewing performers exceeds three hundred fifty square feet, excluding adjacent lobby areas. "Nightclub" does not include theaters with fixed seating, banquet halls, or lodge halls.
Snohomish County Planning and Development Services has mailed a letter to each business identified as possibly fitting the criteria of having to install fire sprinklers.
For more information or to identify if your business will be required to have a fire sprinkler system, contact Senior Fire Inspector, Ron Tangen (425-388-3411 ext. 2264)
Snohomish County Fire Marshal
Michael W. McCrary, Fire Marshal