Fire Prevention and Investigation

Short Term Rentals

Short Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Initial Fire and Life Safety Inspection

After you have submitted your application with the STR Pre-Inspection checklist to Community Development, if everything is in order, they will refer your information to our department where a Fire Inspector will reach out to you or your designated representative to schedule the Fire and Life Safety inspection.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

R310.2.1 Minimum Opening Area

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a net clear opening of not less than 5.7 square feet (0.530 M^2). The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside. The net clear height of the opening shall be not less than 24 inches (610mm) and the net clear width shall be not less than 20 inches (508mm).

Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a net clear opening area of not less than 5 square feet (0.465 m^2).

Please note: A window 24x20 inches will not meet the 5.7sqare feet requirement or even the 5 square feet requirement for a grade floor. One or both dimensions must be larger to satisfy the net clear opening requirement.

The fire extinguisher needs to be rated at a minimum of 2A-10BC. You can mostly find this on the label of the extinguisher next to the word “Classification.”

The top of the fire extinguisher shall not exceed 5 feet from the floor, and the bottom shall not go below 4 inches toward the floor. Between 5 feet and 4 inches. We recommend mounting your fire extinguisher toward exits that are in plain view.

When operating as a short-term rental, you are required to have a minimally rated 2A-10BC fire extinguisher within 75 feet of each part of the rental.

Fire extinguishers need to be serviced by a fire extinguisher-serving company at a minimum of 12 months. The company will put a tag on the extinguisher, stating the month and year it was serviced.

Yes, in the immediate vicinity, which may be in a hallway, open space, living room, etc.

It is not required; however, if you’d like, you may always choose to go above the requirement.

Yes. This will be checked during the inspection, even if the inspection takes place outside of the burn ban period.

Propane firepits do not require an additional physical security measure to restrict guest use. If propane firepits need to be secured during extreme fire danger, the fuel tank may be removed or locked and the pit is secured. (This is a rare occurrence.)

Posted: 02/24/2023 11:08 AM
Last Updated: 07/13/2023 08:30 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 06
    Nov 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - November 6, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or via zooom
  • 05
    Nov 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations
  • 31
    Oct 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Second Half Property Tax Deadline

    Posted by: Chelan County Treasurer

    Second half property tax deadline

  • 29
    Oct 2024
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.