Local building approval and DSHS licensing inspection are different
Washington AFH applicants commonly move through two distinct inspection tracks: a local building inspection/approval for AFH use and a separate DSHS Residential Care Services initial licensing inspection. Passing the local building inspection does not replace the DSHS licensing inspection.
DSHS Form 15-604 — Local Building Inspection Checklist ↗Use DSHS Form 10-695 before scheduling
DSHS’s AFH Initial Inspection Preparation Checklist says the home should be move-in ready on the day of the initial inspection and applicants should schedule only after confirming minimum licensing requirements are met.
The checklist notes that an onsite initial inspection usually takes about three to five hours, depending on the size of the home, organization of the applicant and unforeseen environmental issues.
DSHS Form 10-695 — Initial Inspection Preparation Checklist ↗Bedrooms, exits, alarms, bathrooms and access need careful review
Inspection documents cover resident bedrooms and bathrooms, exit routes, emergency escape openings, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, grab bars, stairs, ramps and other physical-environment requirements. The current initial-licensing worksheet includes room dimensions, usable square footage, windows, lighting, locks and doorway widths.
Inspection is broader than the house itself
The DSHS preparation checklist also addresses required postings, emergency preparedness, staff and provider records, policies, safety, resident-related systems and other licensing expectations. A beautiful property can still be unready if required documents and operational systems are missing.
Run your own mock inspection before the licensor arrives
- Walk the home using the current DSHS initial-inspection checklist.
- Verify resident-room measurements, windows, exits and door hardware.
- Confirm required postings and emergency information are visible.
- Review staff/provider records and training documentation.
- Test alarms and confirm safety equipment is installed and functioning.
- Fix incomplete items before you schedule or before the inspection date.
Do not rely on an old checklist saved on your phone. Download the current DSHS version when you are preparing for inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Washington AFH initial inspection take?
DSHS Form 10-695 says the onsite initial inspection usually takes about three to five hours, depending on the home, applicant organization and unforeseen environmental challenges.
Should the home be furnished before the initial AFH inspection?
DSHS says the home should be move-in ready on the day of the initial inspection. Use the current preparation checklist to confirm what must be in place.
Is the WABO/local building inspection the same as the DSHS AFH inspection?
No. Local building approval and the DSHS/RCS initial licensing inspection are separate steps with different purposes.
What checklist should I use before the DSHS inspection?
Use the current AFH Initial Inspection Preparation Checklist, DSHS Form 10-695, together with current licensing rules and any other forms DSHS identifies for your application.