The Fire Department’s role in overseeing changes made to any fire sprinkler system in the City of Seattle involves both plan review and field inspection of the work performed. The contractor performing the work of interest at Columbia Tower did contact Seattle Fire Department a while ago about the project. However, because of the unusual nature of the project, there may not have been a clear answer as to whether or not plan review, inspections, and a permit was required for the work.

The contractor proceeded in good faith with the understanding that neither permits, plan review or inspections would be required for the work. However, the city has re-evaluated the need for permits, plan review and inspections for this project and has concluded that indeed a permit (and subsequently plan review and inspections) is required for the work as specified in Seattle Building Code Section 106.1. We are in the process of working with the contractor on gaining compliance with these requirements, at which point a file will be created.

Helen Fitzpatrick Public Information Office Seattle Fire Department