Nightclub Fire Sprinklers are Required by December 2009.
The 2007 Washington State Legislature changed the definition of nightclubs requiring retroactive installation of fire sprinklers and extended the deadline for compliance to December 1, 2009. The bill was signed into law on Friday May 11, 2007 after passing both the House and Senate unanimously.
Under the new law, the requirement to install fire sprinklers will apply to nightclubs, restaurants, taverns and bars in which the aggregate area of concentrated use space that is specifically designated and primarily used for dancing or viewing performers exceeds three hundred fifty square feet (350 Sq Ft), excluding adjacent lobby areas. Businesses excluded from this requirement are banquet halls, theaters with fixed seating and lodge halls.
Examples of concentrated use space are dance floors and open standing space with or without unfixed chairs. (An area with tables and chairs is not considered concentrated use and would not be considered for the application of this requirement.)
Prior requirements that pertained to the primary source of revenue for the nightclub, the type of performers/entertainment and the total occupant load were repealed and are no longer applicable.
The definition of an A-2 occupancy use in the 2006 International Building Code reads: "A-2 Assembly uses intended for food and/or drink consumption including, but not limited to:"
- Banquet Halls
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Taverns and Bars
In 2008, the Tacoma Fire Department will begin contacting owners and operators of businesses in Tacoma that potentially may be impacted by these changes to the Nightclub Sprinkler Law. If your business is without a Public Assembly Permit but you believe your may be subject to the Nightclub Sprinkler Law requirement, please contact the Tacoma Fire Prevention Bureau at 253.591.5740.
The following links provide additional information related to this new law.
Tacoma Fire Department Eligibility Letter to City of Tacoma Nightclub Owners and Operators
Tacoma Fire Department Informational Letter to the City of Tacoma Nightclub Owners and Operators
TFD Information Bulletin - Nightclub Fire Safety Requirements
RCW 19.27.500 Nightclubs - Automatic Sprinkler System
RCW 19.27.510 "Nightclub" Defined
Washington State Patrol Licensing Programs for Sprinklers
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