Seattle Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law Change For Condos
Poll. Are you buying a carbon monoxide alarm to comply with the law change that is effective January 1st?
Below is the note from one of my HOAs.
A quick scan of Amazon shows a plugin detector carbon monoxide detector for $29 so at least it isn’t too expensive to comply.
Dear Owner:
Effective January 1, 2013, every Condominium Unit in Washington State is required to be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. The key aspects of the law are:
R315.3 Where required in Existing Dwellings: existing dwellings shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with Section 315.1.
R315.1 Carbon Monoxide Alarms: to be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units and on each level of the dwelling and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Previous versions of this law stated certain exemptions. Please note in the current law, there are no exemptions for condominiums (exemptions only for motels, hotels, dormitories, and treatment facilities).
All single level units will need one alarm installed outside of the bedroom(s).
This law will be enforced through inspections by local code officials when a permit is required for new construction and most alterations, repairs or additions in any residence.
I have attached a document titled “Understanding Washington State Carbon Monoxide Law,” which outlines the basic information of this new law. I have also attached the actual language of the codes in the document titled “Carbon Monoxide Alarm Code Language.”
