L&I NEWSLETTER
May 2021
Training

Upcoming Webinar for New Fire Suppression System Certification Process and Requirements

L&I will be conducting a 1.5-hour training session on the changes to the fire suppression system certification process, including online annual certification submissions, system testing and acceptance, the new fire suppression systems worker license categories, and available services and resources.

This training session is primarily for licensed fire suppression system workers.

The session will be held from 9:00 am - 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 13 via Zoom. To register for this webinar, click here.


Permitting

Permit Survey

You will start receiving a survey link with all notifications of final permit approval. We would appreciate if you can complete the survey so we can better serve you. 


New Permit Amendment Forms

In an effort to ensure your application qualifies for an amendment, starting July 1, 2021, we are requiring the new Online Permit Amended Form to be uploaded in eCLIPSE for all eligible amendment requests.

For more information on eligibility, please review the amended zoning and building permit process information sheets on the website. 

 
Inspections

New Fire Suppression Certification Forms for New
Water-Based Systems

Contractors certifying the installation of new, water-based fire suppression systems on or after July 1, 2021, are required to submit the new certification forms below:


Please complete the brief survey to provide your feedback on the new forms.

 
Licensing

New Tire Dealer License - Coming Soon

Any business that purchases or sells tires, whether they are new or used needs a Tire Dealer License. The license application will become available through eCLIPSE on August 1, 2021 and all affected businesses must obtain the license by December 31, 2021.

Additional information will soon be available on the website.


Fire Suppression Systems Worker License

On 9/17/2020, Bill No. 200365 was enacted and becomes effective on 3/15/2022. This Bill modified the fire suppression systems worker license to add two additional licensure categories: 

  • Specialty Fire Suppression Systems Worker (FSSW) License – This license is required to perform regular inspections on existing water-based fire protection systems on or after March 15, 2022. To qualify, an individual must possess an ASSE 15010 certificate and a standard Fire Suppression System Worker license. Licensed Fire Suppression Systems Workers may continue to certify new water-based fire protection systems under their existing license.

  • Commercial Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems License – This is a limited license to allow alternate NICET (Level III) certification for individuals who only perform work on kitchen fire extinguishing systems. Licensed Fire Suppression Systems Workers may continue to perform this work under their existing license. 

  • 24 continuing education hours are required for the renewal of a Fire Suppression Systems Worker License. Coursework must be related to NFPA standards and provider must be on the approved Department of Labor and Industry list. A NICET Level II certificate (or above) or an ASSE 15010 certificate shall satisfy this requirement.   

Fire suppression contractors can apply for these licenses starting as soon as September 15, 2021. Additional information about the new licenses and renewal requirements will soon be available on the website.

Reminders

Schedule a Virtual Appointment

Online appointments for permit and license submissions are available. If you’re having trouble submitting a permit or license application, or need help with your license renewal, schedule a one-on-one online appointment with an L&I representative. All online meetings will be conducted over Zoom.

Click here to schedule your online appointment. 


*New Site-Violation Notices

As a reminder, in the coming months L&I inspectors will begin issuing Site Violation Notices (SVNs). SVNs are intended to penalize and deter infractions that can be quickly complied on site when an inspector comes along but tend to reoccur once the inspector leaves. SVNs carry monetary penalties that go into effect immediately and can be issued each time the inspector observes the violation. Refer to the website for more information about L&I Violations.

Because SVNs have not been issued in the past, for the first six months L&I will
issue Warning Notices without monetary penalty instead of SVNs. Keep an eye out
for more information on SVN roll-out.


Tax Abatement Deadline is approaching

This is a reminder that modifications to tax abatements administered by the Office of Property Assessment take effect on January 1, 2022. If you intend to apply for an abatement prior to this date, please ensure you file your building permit application with all pre-requisite approvals by October 1, 2021 to allow adequate time for processing.

Refer to Bill #200653 for commercial construction, Bill #200366 for residential construction, and the OPA website for more information.


Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources.