Sevier County STRU Fire Inspection Checklist

Per IFC Section 505. Required so first responders can locate the unit in an emergency.

• Minimum 4-inch tall numbers visible from the street or driveway entrance. Can be on the house or mailbox.
• If multiple units share an address, each unit needs separate identification (e.g., Unit #1, Unit #2).
• Driveway splits must have address numbers indicating the direction of the property.

• Must meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 217 standards.
• Required inside sleeping rooms, outside sleeping rooms in the immediate vicinity, and on each story including basements.
• Required in each bedroom, sleeping area, corridor, and living area. "Sleeping area means any space that has a bed, sofa bed, bunkbed, futon or any surface for sleeping."
• Must be interconnected: if one alarm goes off, they all go off. Achievable via hardwired electrical or UL-listed wireless devices. Wireless devices must be individually programmed per manufacturer's guidelines.
• Must function properly with audible alarm when test button is pressed.

• Required within 10 feet of every fuel-burning, natural gas, or propane appliance.
• Must be within 15 feet of the door of all bedrooms.
• Must function properly with audible alarm when test button is pressed.

Note: The Sevier County checklist requires CO detectors within 15 feet of bedroom doors, which is a stricter placement standard than the state law's 10-foot requirement under TCA 68-120-112.

• Minimum 2A:10BC rating required on every level. At least one fire extinguisher per level.
• Must be inspected and tagged annually by a certified fire extinguisher company.
• New extinguishers purchased this year: receipt must be available at inspection. Will need certified tagging the following year.
• If stored behind a closet or cabinet door, a "Fire Extinguisher Inside" sticker/label must be on the door.

• Chimneys and fireboxes must be professionally cleaned and inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep.
• Gas-burning heating appliances: annual inspection is recommended (not required).
• If a chimney is no longer in service or the owner does not allow use, it must be completely blocked off from visitor access.

• Exit ways must be maintained and clear. Exits shall not be obstructed at any time.
• Floor evacuation plans required on each level, showing sleeping areas and exit routes.
• Plans must be placed in a conspicuous area on each level.
• Plans must include "YOU ARE HERE" marking with guidance on how to exit from that location.
• Plans can be hand-drawn, computer-generated, or professionally designed.
• Working exit and emergency lighting when applicable.
• Bedrooms must have proper egress via windows and doors.

Charcoal grills:

• NOT permitted on any surface of the structure. Must be 10 feet from the structure and any combustible surface (unless approved by Fire Code Official).

Natural gas and propane grills on decks:

• Non-combustible mat underneath
• 60-minute shut-off timer installed on the gas line
• Secured to the deck so the grill cannot be moved
• 18 inches from any railings or sides of the structure

Natural gas and propane fire pits on decks:

• Same four requirements as gas grills: mat, timer, secured, 18-inch clearance

Wood-burning fire pits:

• No open burning devices permitted on any combustible surfaces of the structure at any time.

Per 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).

Indoor pools:

• Pool room doors: self-closing/self-latching outswing with latch release at 54" from floor, OR single-button bypass door alarm (UL 2017), OR automatic pool cover (ASTM F1346).
• In-water splash alarm required per TCA 68-14-801 (Katie Beth's Law).
• Any opening (e.g., garage door) that cannot be protected by standard door hardware must have a barrier/fence.

Outdoor pools:

• Minimum 48-inch high fence (5 feet preferred) surrounding the pool. Barrier must maintain 48" height for 36" horizontal distance.
• If the home serves as one or more sides, install door and window alarms on all openings to the pool area.
• Doors to pool area: outswing, self-closing/self-latching with latch at 54", or UL 2017 door alarm.
• Gates: self-closing/self-latching, opening outward, latch mounted at least 54" from ground.
• In-water splash alarm required (Katie Beth's Law).

• Windows within 60 inches of a hot tub must be tempered glass or have ANSI 97.1 safety film installed.
• Fall protection required when a hot tub is closer than 18 inches to deck railing (measured 36" from seated position).
• Cover must meet ASTM F 1346 standard and be intact and in good working condition.

• If present, must be inspected annually by a licensed fire sprinkler inspection company in Tennessee.
• All deficiencies noted during inspection must be corrected.

Sprinkler systems are required for properties sleeping more than 12 occupants, exceeding 5,000 square feet, or more than 3 stories (properties built after 2016 under commercial classification).

• If present, must be inspected annually by a licensed fire alarm inspection company in Tennessee.
• All deficiencies noted during inspection must be corrected.

While not exhaustively detailed in the inspection document, the checklist notes that deck rails and stair handrails must meet code. The Fire Marshal's Office may also inspect other structural and electrical items not listed in the published checklist.

For questions about specific inspection items for your property, contact the Sevier County Fire Marshal's Office at (865) 774-3603 or email firecodequestions@seviercountytn.org.