SEQUIM — An apartment complex destroyed by fire last week hadn’t been upgraded to current fire codes over the years or even inspected for fire safety — nor did it have to be, according to city and fire officials.
The complex, like many buildings in downtown Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend and elsewhere, was built before building codes were in place.
Although ownership changed and units were updated and remodeled, the use of the building remained the same — and additions that could have slowed the May 11 blaze and are required on new construction never had to be installed.
It’s a fairly common situation, said Roger Moeder, assistant chief of Clallam County Fire Protection District No. 3, which includes the city of Sequim.
Such buildings are often solidly constructed and inhabitable, but they’re built with materials that burn quickly and easily.
“We have quite a few of these buildings here in the center of town,” he said. “That’s one of my worries.”
Inspection list
Local officials are working on a long list of buildings that need to be inspected, but it’s a slow process because of limited manpower.
The burned complex, which was located at 140 E. Washington St., eventually would have been inspected, Moeder said — but even if the building had been checked out, officials could have only made recommendations on fire safety improvements.
Structures built before Sequim’s building codes took effect were “grandfathered” and must be brought up to code only if the use changes, said Jim Bay, the city’s public works director and fire marshal.
For example, if someone buys a grandfathered house and lives in it, no updates are needed — but if that person wants to convert it into a restaurant, it’s considered new construction and the building must comply with current codes.
There’s a practical reason for that distinction, said Bay:
“Otherwise . . . we’d be rebuilding everything. You can’t do that.”