Construction Inspections

Please have project managers, architects, GCs and superintendents communicate regarding timing of system completion. Many systems must be completed prior to Fire Alarm final sign off. Field technicians should ensure compliance with any comments on the plan set prior to scheduling inspections with the SFD.

The items on the list below must be completed prior to the SFD inspector's arrival at the jobsite, or the responsible party will be charged a failed inspection fee and the inspector will discontinue inspecting further. 

1. All required personnel, including those with relevant certification, and equipment are onsite within 20 minutes of the inspection time. For kitchen hood suppression system, appliances must be installed and operable.
2. Printed stamped/approved set of fire system plans (sprinkler, alarm, as-builts, etc.) are available for the inspector.
   • Exception: SFD plan review is not required for DAS or Pre-Engineered Kitchen Hood systems permitted on the -ME permit type. If no SFD plan review occurred, contractor will not have an SFD-approved plan set, and must have system manufacturer documentation on site. 
3. For fire alarm inspections: “Completed” status for the SDCI fire alarm permit (low voltage electrical permit) and for any interfaced components or systems e.g. heat trace, BDA/DAS, Central Station Monitoring whether AES radio or cell communicator.  
   
   • Exception:  SDCI “partial pass” rather than “complete” may be acceptable for TCO. Discuss with the SFD Lt when scheduling.
4. For fire alarm inspections: “Completed” status for SDCI conveyance permit (if applicable).  See also additional information for smoke control.
5. For sprinkler inspections: Sprinkler piping is not covered by dry wall or ceiling tiles, and is visible for the inspector, if applicable.
6. For underground inspections: Underground sprinkler supply line is not covered and is visible for the inspector, if applicable.
7. All required pre-testing is completed. Inspector is looking for a good faith effort to fully pre-test the system.  

At this time, SFD is not failing inspections if Acceptance Tests are not available in The Compliance Engine. However, missing or incomplete Acceptance Tests on the Field Notes will be noted as a required correction on the Inspector Field Notes, for Fire Alarm, DAS, and Range Hood systems. See TCE Acceptance Test FAQ.

See also additional mandatory PRE-REQUISITES FOR CERTAIN INSPECTION TYPES in the following section.

Additional inspection pre-requisites and information for certain inspections

Here are additional tips to help you pass specific types of inspections: 

• BDA/DAS (Emergency responder radio communications): Please review our DAS commissioning information. Required:
  • Electrical permit signed off.
  • PSERN approval and rebroadcast agreement executed, TCE acceptance test form completed.
  • Pre-testing may be performed with PSERN loaner radios – contact PSERN at least a week prior to pre-testing to arrange for radios.
• Fire alarm:
  • "Completed" status for the SDCI fire alarm permit (low voltage electrical permit) and for any interfaced components or systems e.g. heat trace, BDA/DAS, Central Station Monitoring whether AES radio or cell communicator.
  • Full pre-testing completed and results reported on an acceptance test form provided to SFD through our third party vendor www.thecomplianceengine.com.
  • Site must be considered "Final Clean," including but not limited to all carpeting, ceiling tile, drywall, doors, and relights in place to conduct alarm audibility tests.
  • The fire alarm FA-1 technician will be asked to confirm Central Station Monitoring notification.
  • Fire alarm permits for projects with SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS:
    • Mandatory: Low-rise buildings with smoke control/pressurization and high-rise buildings permitted under the 2015 code or earlier with smoke control/pressurization, a copy of the SDCI smoke control acceptance form is also required.
    • Smoke control systems in high-rise buildings permitted under the 2018 code or later must use a Special Inspector who will coordinate testing and acceptance.  SDCI is the authority having jurisdiction over smoke control acceptance; however beginning no sooner than Dec, 31, 2024, in order to receive a Fire Alarm final okay from SFD, you must demonstrate that your smoke control system has been fully pre-tested by submitting results in a Smoke Control install/acceptance test form to our third party vendor www.thecomplianceengine.com (TCE). Key documents from commissioning must also be uploaded to TCE, including the O&M manual and rational analysis. For more information review the Smoke Control w/SI Install form.
  • Fire alarm permits for projects with fire dampers, smoke dampers and combination fire/smoke dampers:
    • SDCI is the authority having jurisdiction over smoke control acceptance; however, beginning January 1, 2025, in order to receive final building sign off from SFD, you must demonstrate that your dampers have been fully pre-tested by submitting results and someo commissioning documentation in a Damper install/acceptance test form to our third party vendor www.thecomplianceengine.com (TCE). For more information review the Damper Install Form.
• Fire alarm panel replacements:
  • The electrical permit must be signed off by the SDCI, and the system must be pretested to meet NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2 items 2(a) and (d).
  • The pre-test/acceptance test form is not required to be filled out in www.thecompliance engine.com.
  • The site must be considered "Final Clean," including but not limited to all carpeting, ceiling tile, drywall, doors, and relights in place to conduct alarm audibility tests.
• Range hoods and suppression/alternative extinguishing systems (not wet/dry sprinkler systems):
  • Before the inspector arrives, equipment protected by the hood or suppression system must be on site, installed and operable (gas and power).
  • Before the inspector arrives, ensure there is a placard mounted to the hood specifying equipment that is protected by the hood, from left to right, and provide a mounted K class extinguisher near the hood.
  • Please ensure the following documents are available on site for your inspector when they arrive: as-built drawings, SDCI mechanical permit for Type 1 hoods or SDCI -FS permit for spray booths, halon systems and similar, if applicable.
  • If the suppression system is monitored by the fire alarm system, then you will need technicians with both a fire alarm certification and a rangehood certification present at the time of inspection to test the newly installed system.

  • As of Sept. 1, 2024, full pre-testing must also be reported on an acceptance test form provided to SFD through our third party vendor www.thecomplianceengine.com (TCE). For more information, review the inventory section including required documents on our Wet System/Kitchen Hood Install form viewable here.

• Sprinkler system inspection prior to cover: You must request cover inspections prior to installation of drywall or tiles that would interfere with visual access to sprinkler system pipes and heads. Any time a sprinkler head is changed or moved, you must have an inspection. 
  Sprinkler system final: A Contractor's Materials and Test Certificate for Underground Piping and a Contractor's Materials and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping must be provided to your inspector prior to SFD building final okay, per SFD Administrative Rule 9.03 section 5.6.
• "Underground" or fire water supply connection to city water main - inspection prior to cover: Underground pipe inspection must occur prior to covering. All tie rodding, etc. must be complete and coated with bituminous or other acceptable corrosion retarding material. Inspection of thrust blocks may occur during or after pouring. Depth and width of the block must be exposed for measurement. See also SFD Administrative Rule 9.03 Table A for additional inspection requirements. May be combined with "underground" flush and/or flow tests in many but not all circumstances, discuss with your inspector.
• "Underground" or fire water supply connection to city water main - hydrostatic flow test: Underground may be covered if cover inspection has occurred and pressure drops must be within allowable limits. Hydro must occur prior to connection with the building or the City of Seattle. If a city check valve is present, a "frying pan" must be installed. See also SFD Administrative Rule 9.03 Table A for additional inspection requirements. May be combined with "underground" flush and/or flow tests in many but not all circumstances, discuss with your inspector.
• "Underground" or fire water supply connection to city water main or "Underground" - Underground flush: Inspection must occur prior to connecting with the building system. See also SFD Administrative Rule 9.03 Table A for additional inspection requirements. May be combined with "underground" flush and/or flow tests in many but not all circumstances, discuss with your inspector.

Submit an inspection request form.  All systems that require a functional test must be pretested prior to the SFD inspection being conducted. Be sure to follow our best practices to help ensure that your request is processed smoothly.

When submitting the form to request an inspection, you will need to provide information about the project, onsite contact name and information, and financially responsible party name and contact information. You will also need: Certification number of the installer/tester who will be present during the test, SDCI plan review number if applicable, and information about SDCI permitting completed (if applicable). Please be sure to provide your estimated duration of time for the inspection. This aids in the scheduling of your Inspection request.

Depends on the availability of inspectors. We are currently scheduling two weeks out. Overtime inspections may be available sooner and there is an additional cost (based on City's labor contract). 

A representative capable of performing the required tests, providing access to inspection areas, and certified by the Seattle Fire Department must be present. This person must:

• Present their certification card to inspector for verification 
• Have a copy of the approved plans 
• Have a copy of the plan review letter

Please email SFD_FMO_Engineering@seattle.gov and your message will be forwarded to your assigned inspector.  

Please email your code related question to SFD_FMO_PlanReview@seattle.gov.

Please do not email field inspection problems or scheduling questions to the Plan Review email address. For field inspection questions or scheduling questions please email SFD_FMO_Engineering@seattle.gov. 

Fees for most construction inspections include a repeat inspection at no charge if the system does not pass the first inspection. If your reason for the failed inspection is due to a lack of preparation, the Seattle Municipal Code provides the ability to recover the costs incurred in providing that inspection. The fee is $346 per hour, including time spent by inspectors preparing for the inspection, traveling and at the job site. The fee will be charged whenever an inspection fails to meet the preconditions.

Please email SFD_FMO_Engineering@seattle.gov and your message will be forwarded to your assigned inspector for any explanation or clarification that may be necessary. If you have your inspector's mobile number you may also contact your assigned inspector directly.

Fees for construction inspection services are separate and in addition to any SDCI fees.

*The time charge shall be equal to actual labor costs including any applicable administrative overhead.

Occupancy and use of the structure are permitted only after approval of SDCI which takes the form of a Certificate of Occupancy. You are in violation if you occupy the premises prior to obtaining this approval. 

In some cases a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may also be approved prior to the issue of the full Certificate of Occupancy - please see information above. Individuals who are non construction workers are permitted to enter the building prior to the building receiving a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy when permitted by the General Contractor. The General Contractor is responsible to provide safety training to authorized individuals and to ensure they are properly equipped with all personal protection equipment required for the construction site by Washington State Labor & Industry regulations. All such individuals touring the building are required to be escorted by the General Contractor or their designee.

Individuals preparing the building for occupancy do not require an escort when permitted by the General Contractor. In occupancies required to be provided with automatic sprinklers, storage or accumulation of combustible material not associated with building construction is prohibited in the building before the sprinkler system is approved.

The legal owner is responsible for requesting inspections and approvals. If you want your builder to assume this responsibility, this should be specified within your contract. Check your permit and make sure final approval to occupy has been given before moving into the building. Normally, the installing company schedules the inspection appointment for their installation.

• Inform your SFD New Construction inspector and Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) inspector of your intent to request TCO/phased occupancy
• Review Administrative Rule 9.07 - Partial/Phased Occupancy, Occupancy During Construction and Temporary Certificates of Occupancy
• A MINIMUM of two weeks and a recommended six weeks prior to your desired TCO date, write a TCO request letter that includes your plan to prepare for TCO, and email to the Lieutenant of Engineering: SFD_FMO_Engineering@seattle.gov
  • The Lieutenant will review your letter and contact you with questions
  • Example letter in Word format
  • Example letter with directions in PDF
• Schedule inspections as needed to allow us to approve the systems that are required to be complete per the approved TCO plan. Work with your SFD inspector to ensure your project is on track for TCO.
• Final approval may require a TCO walk through by the Lieutenant and will include a written recommendation from SFD to SDCI with our recommendation to them for a TCO.
• Schedule your TCO inspection with our Inspection Request Form

All fire and life safety systems shall be tested and accepted prior to occupancy.

The SFD does not supply TCO recommendations for tenant improvements (TIs).  Once fire and life safety systems are tested and accepted, the permit is finaled and the inspector notes will indicate testing is complete. The Inspector notes can be used to notify SDCI that SFD has approved the fire and life safety systems for the designated area, and SFD has no objection to SDCI granting occupancy.

SPU requires inspections for water service piping used for fire protection and domestic water. To schedule an SPU inspection for underground cover or backflow assemblies: call (206) 684-5803, between 8 - 9 a.m.; after 9 a.m., call (206) 684-3333. 

• Underground cover
• Backflow requirements
• SMC 21.04.070 Cross-connections
• WAC 246-290-490

Not all buildings are required to meet radio coverage standards, and where coverage is required, a BDA/DAS is not necessary if the building already has sufficient radio coverage inside without using a BDA/DAS to amplify.  Radio coverage must meet code requirements in all new high-rise buildings and buildings that are larger than 50,000 square feet, or have basements larger than 10,000 square feet, or have floors used for human occupancy more than 30 feet below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge. There are two ways to meet this requirement: (1) demonstrate that the building meets minimum coverage standards for the King County Radio System without the use of amplification systems, or (2) install amplifications systems such as a Bi-Directional Antenna (BDA) or Distributed Antenna System (DAS). Where these buildings pass sufficient radio signals through part of the building, emergency responder radio coverage need only be provided for those areas within the building that do not receive sufficient radio signals. To find more information and required forms, please review our dedicated webpage on BDA/DAS and Client Assistance Memorandum #5123 -  Emergency Responder Public Safety Radio Enhancement Systems.