About

Risk Check is Kitsap County's routine commercial occupancy inspection program. The Risk Check program schedules the frequency of fire and life safety inspections based on a score calculated from known hazards and mitigations at a particular place of business. This means that higher-risk businesses will be inspected more frequently than lower-risk businesses.

Applicability

The Risk Check inspection program applies to all commercial property owners and to business owners occupying commercial property. Businesses on tribal or federally owned land, and legally permitted home businesses, are generally exempt from the inspection program. Inspections are performed based on the International Fire Code in accordance with state law RCW 19.27.110 and Kitsap County Code Chapter 14.08.

Benefits of Fire Safety Inspections

Routine inspections are a low-cost, effective way to protect commercial properties and keep people safe by reducing risks and enhancing safety. Additionally, fire safety inspections are among the factors the insurance industry uses to calculate commercial insurance rates​.

Preparing for Inspection

Prepare for your inspection by checking for these common corrections. You can have your inspection scheduled at a time that is convenient for you, request an inspection online, or call 360.337.5777.

• ​Remove obstructions from exit ways, exit doors, aisles/hallways, and stairways
• Exit doors (other than those with panic hardware) should open easily without the use of a key, special knowledge, or effort
• Repair exit door hardware that is non-operable or difficult to operate
• Remove combustible storage from enclosures, stairways, and ramps
• Replace extension cords with a power strip, which includes a reset switch
• Provide cover plates for all junction boxes, light switches, and plug outlets
• Remove exposed wiring or protect it in an approved conduit
• Provide a working space of not less than 30 inches in width, 36 inches in depth, and 78 inches in height in front of electrical service equipment. Remove all storage from designated work space
• ​​Remove combustible storage from boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, and electrical equipment rooms
• Install or verify installation of existing portable fire extinguisher in approved location
• Verify maintenance or have portable fire extinguishers serviced by a certified service professional
• Provide clear access to portable fire extinguishers
• Reduce storage to 24 inches below the ceiling in a non-sprinklered building or 18 inches below the ceiling in a sprinklered building
• Remove combustible rubbish and waste material from the premises
• Provide address numbering at a minimum of  4" high with a minimum width of 0.5" in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property
• Secure compressed gas containers, cylinders, and tanks
• Verify exit and emergency exit lighting works. Repair or replace if burnt out, broken, or inoperable.
• Verify service and maintenance of fire protection systems (alarm, sprinkler, hood, etc.) If needed, schedule maintenance and testing and be prepared to submit reports.

Fire Protection System Confidence Testing

Fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and other fire protection systems require testing at regular intervals. Submit confidence test reports to the Fire Marshal's Office online.

Commercial Occupancy Permits & Certificate of Occupancy

All new and relocating businesses in Kitsap County are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy through the Department of Community Development.  There are multiple types of permits required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.  Our Permit Application Portal will help guide you through the process.

If you are currently occupying a commercial business space without a valid Certificate of Occupancy, you may be required to obtain one through the Risk Check inspection program.

Fees

There are currently no fees for routine Risk Check inspections. However, if permits are required for your current business occupancy, Community Development permit fees will apply. You may also be assessed code enforcement fines for unresolved fire and building code safety violations. All permit fees can be calculated based on the Fee Schedule.