6403 AMH .... H5379.1

SB 6403 - H AMD 395 FAILED 2/29/96

By Representatives Robertson and Conway

    On page 3, after line 5, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 19.27 RCW to read as follows:

    Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any provision of the fire code, or whenever the chief has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition which makes such building or premises unsafe, the chief is authorized to enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty authorized by the fire code, however, if such building or premises is occupied, the chief fire official, or his or her designee, shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises is unoccupied, the chief shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and demand entry.

    If the owner or occupant denies entry, the chief is authorized to obtain a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry.  A judge of the superior court shall have authority to issue a civil or criminal inspection warrant.  However, a judge may not issue an inspection warrant for a private individual dwelling unit when the sole basis for the warrant application is that the building or premises fall within the scope of a systematic inspection program.  Owners, occupants, or any other persons having charge, care, or control of any building or premises, after proper request is made as provided by this section, promptly permit entry therein by the chief for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to the fire code.

    For the purposes of this section, the term "chief" includes the chief officer of the fire department serving the jurisdiction and his or her designee."

    Correct the title accordingly.

                            --- END ---