Fire marshals petition SBCC for emergency rule on narrow side-yard access; council declines emergency finding and refers matter to committee

The State Building Code Council on Aug. 15, 2025, heard a petition from the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals asking the council to adopt an emergency statewide amendment to the fire code that would require a minimum clear width between buildings and adjacent property lines for newly constructed multi-dwelling units. The petition requested a 5-foot clear width where buildings lack exterior openings to a street or alley and a reduced 4-foot width where fire sprinklers are provided.

Washington State Association of Fire Marshals past president Dave (presented materials) told the council that the change is prompted by recent higher-density residential development — smaller lots and multiple dwelling units on single-family parcels — that has resulted in side-yard clearances the marshals say are too narrow for safe access, patient removal on gurneys and ladder placement for second-floor rescues. “The emergency rule provides for a minimum clear width of 5 feet between the building and property line when the building does not have fire sprinklers,” Dave…