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Content current as of 04/01/25

Licensed Care Facilities Inspection Process

In Tacoma, the State of Washington regulates the professional care of children and adults under the Washington Administrative Code and Revised Code of Washington. These state regulations are further supplemented by the Tacoma Municipal Code, which regulates Licensing and Zoning, and the International Fire Code, which deals with life safety. Rules and requirements vary depending on the number of children or adults at a given location. The Tacoma Fire Department and the Washington State Fire Marshal’s office are the agencies responsible for relicensing inspection of care facilities.

Inspections Process

The Tacoma Fire Department has a two-tiered approach to the Life Safety inspection process. The local Fire Company conducts an annual inspection for site familiarization and non-technical code compliance. Prevention and Preparedness Inspectors are tasked with the Government Compliance Inspection which is necessary for relicensing at three-year intervals. The State Fire Marshall may also defer inspections to the local jurisdiction at their discretion. Additionally, all facilities providing care by unrelated persons on either a 24-hour or less basis shall obtain and keep current a City of Tacoma Business license.

The following resources will help you understand the fire and life safety requirements for your business.

Contact

Fire Prevention

(253) 591-5740

3471 South 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409

In-Home Daycare

A daycare business conducted in your home with not more than 12 children is defined as an in-home Daycare. The Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL) sets forth the fire and life safety requirements for these businesses.

Home Daycare Checklist Fire Safety Record and Evacuation Plan

Daycare Centers

Facilities that provide care for more than 12 children are defined as Daycare Centers. The Washington Administrative Code sets forth the fire and life safety requirements for these businesses.

TFD Daycare Center Pre-Inspection Checklist Fire Safety Record and Evacuation Plan Minimum Requirements for Daycare Centers WAC Childcare Center Licensing Guide

Adult Family Homes

Care given to adults in a home setting with no more than six adults is defined as an Adult Family Home. Click on the following link to learn more about the state’s requirements for Adult Family Homes.

Adult Family Home Minimum Licensing Requirements WAC 388-76

Congregate Care Facilities

Congregate Care Facilities are defined as Institutional Occupancy Group I-1. TFD conducts familiarization-level inspections in these types of facilities. Use the following links to learn more about the state’s requirements for These Facilities.

Fire Marshal Standard WAC 212-12 Residential Treatment Facilities WAC 246-337

Contact

Fire Prevention

(253) 591-5740

3471 South 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409