As part of our advocacy work on behalf of Washington State Self Storage owners and operators, we not only monitor events in the state legislature but also rule-making agencies like the State Building Code Council. Here is a recent issue where we advocated on behalf our members.

Letter as sent to Dustin Curb, Managing Director, Washington State Building Code Council

Hello, Dustin.

I am writing on behalf of the Washington Self Storage Association (WA-SSA) to submit the following public testimony regarding the proposed carbon monoxide detection rule changes being considered by the SBCC.

WA-SSA strongly opposes the rule change regarding General Definitions, Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection, Carbon monoxide detection.

The proposed IFC and IBC rule changes will affect “new and existing buildings,” and require “carbon monoxide (CO) detection in accordance with Sections 915.2 through 915.5.”  IFC 915.2.1 requires carbon monoxide detection “In all occupancies, interior spaces with a direct carbon monoxide source,” which includes the types of natural gas heaters that are frequently used to heat the hallways of self storage facilities.

While the impacts of this code change are far reaching, they adversely affect storage owners because storage buildings are largely heated with small, natural-gas-fired furnaces are not typically outfitted with automatic fire sprinkler systems due to their smaller building sizes. Therefore, many self storage buildings have no existing fire alarm panel to tie a CO detectors back to.

The financial impact to owners of existing self storage facilities across the state will be significant, and would impose undue hardships. We estimate that Washington self storage facilities altogether encompass 46,464,276 square feet of floor area, and 50% of that is heated by natural gas fired furnaces. A contractor I consulted with in the fire alarm business estimated costs as high as $1.25 per square foot to retrofit a carbon monoxide detection system with central alarm capabilities.  This could possibly result in an over financial impact of over $29,000,000 to self storage owners and operators in the state.

We kindly request that you consider the above comments during your deliberations.

Patrick J. Gilroy

The Stor-House Self Storage  |  Wine Storage Bellevue

With the 2025 legislation session about to begin, be sure to visit the WA-SSA Legislative Reports presented by our lobbyists - Chester Baldwin and Mark Gjurasic.  As these updates are received they will be posted on the legislative page.

Remember, although some bills may have not passed in the past legislative session, that does not mean they won't be reintroduced for the coming session!  It's critical we continue to support legislative efforts of the Washington Self Storage Association.  We cannot continue to do this without your help.  

Consider supporting our Legislative Fund

The Self Storage Association has launched the Legal Resource Center, a growing library of information made available to SSA members on subjects that affect their business every day.

Visitors to the Resource Center will find up to 20 topics, including: summaries and full text of state lien laws and tenant insurance laws; 50-state surveys on SSA’s lien law priorities; employment law; ADA compliance resources; improvements to International Building Code; legal webinars and manuals; answers to your frequently asked questions; and more. When clicking on the individual categories, members will find breakdowns when appropriate of each state to help them better understand the respective laws by which they are governed.

Note: The contents of the Legal Resource Center are provided for informational purposes only. They are not and should not be construed as legal advice. For more information, email Joe Doherty, SSA's chief legal and legislative officer.