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StayBuddy Inc.
Fire Safety Requirements for Special Zone Minpaku in Osaka City
When operating a Special Zone Minpaku within Osaka City, the building’s use under the Fire Service Act is classified as “inns, hotels, lodging houses, and similar facilities.” As a result, an automatic fire alarm system must be installed regardless of the facility’s size.
However, buildings such as condominiums with a total floor area of 500㎡ or more are already required to have automatic fire alarm systems installed, so there is no need to install a new one. Since relatively large condominiums often already have automatic fire alarm systems in place, you should be able to begin operations without any issues.
On the other hand, caution is required when operating minpaku in small apartment buildings or shared housing. Depending on the total floor area of the entire building and the proportion used for minpaku purposes, an automatic fire alarm system may be required. In such cases, be sure to consult with the fire department in advance to confirm whether equipment installation is necessary and what specific measures are required.
Compliance with the Fire Service Act is a crucial factor in obtaining Special Zone Minpaku approval, so it’s essential to thoroughly confirm the requirements and prepare accordingly.
Using a Detached House as a Special Zone Minpaku Property
Installing an Automatic Fire Alarm System
For a typical detached house (total floor area within 300㎡, up to two stories), installation of a specified small-scale facility automatic fire alarm system is mandatory. Since this system operates on dry-cell batteries, no wiring work or receiver installation is required, making it easy for anyone to install.
However, one important point to note is that interconnected residential fire alarms are not recognized as valid detectors for this specified small-scale system. Be sure to check the Fire Alarm Industry Association’s website or similar resources to confirm authorized retailers and purchase an appropriate product.
Additionally, for three-story detached houses, installation of a specified small-scale facility automatic fire alarm system may be permitted if certain conditions are met. Be sure to carefully review the relevant guidelines and regulations, and confirm that all requirements are satisfied before proceeding with installation.
Other Mandatory Fire Safety Requirements
・Emergency lighting installation: In some cases meeting certain conditions, exemption from installing emergency guide lights may be granted.
・Use of fire-retardant materials: Curtains, carpets, and similar interior items must have fire-retardant properties.
・Inspection and reporting of fire equipment: Fire safety equipment must be inspected twice a year, with a report submitted once a year.
Fire Safety Requirements That Vary Case by Case
・Fire extinguisher installation: A fire extinguisher must be installed if the building’s total floor area is 150㎡ or more, or if it has a basement, windowless floor, or third floor or higher with a floor area exceeding 50㎡.
These standards primarily apply to detached houses, but different requirements under fire service regulations may apply when operating minpaku in apartments or condominiums. Be sure to check the relevant guidelines and take appropriate action accordingly.
About Fire Service Regulations
When operating a minpaku, the classification under fire service regulations varies depending on factors such as the type of housing provided, the floor area of the guest rooms, and whether the host resides on the premises. Accordingly, the required fire safety measures also differ. Specifically, the differences are as follows.
For Detached Houses
・Host-resident type: Classified as a “residence” on a per-household basis, requiring installation of residential fire alarms.
・Host-absent type, or where the guest room floor area exceeds 50㎡ (approximately 30 tatami mats): Classified as “inns, hotels, lodging houses, and similar facilities,” requiring installation of automatic fire alarm systems and emergency guide lights, use of fire-retardant curtains and carpets, and regular inspection and reporting of fire safety equipment.
For Condominiums and Apartments
Requirements vary depending on the number of units used and the proportion of the building dedicated to minpaku use. In some cases, fire safety equipment work may be required for the entire building, so thorough checks are essential during the property selection stage.
Obtaining a Fire Service Regulation Compliance Certificate
A “Fire Service Regulation Compliance Certificate” must be submitted when filing a minpaku notification. This certificate is issued by the local fire department after an on-site inspection confirms that the facility complies with fire service regulations.
This requirement has been in effect since April 2020, but obtaining this certificate can sometimes be quite challenging. Even if you purchase or rent a property for minpaku use, there are cases where the certificate is not issued because the property fails to meet fire safety standards, so careful attention in advance is essential.
Additional Requirements in Osaka City
When operating a “host-absent type” minpaku in Osaka City, in addition to the Fire Service Regulation Compliance Certificate, a “Notification of Use (or Change of Use) of Fire Defense Object” must also be submitted. This procedure must also be completed at the local fire department.
To ensure a smooth minpaku approval process, it’s important to consult with the fire department in advance and carefully verify the property’s compliance beforehand. If fire safety measures are inadequate, there is a risk of extensive additional construction or denial of approval, so we recommend confirming these requirements as early as possible.
Appointing a Fire Prevention Manager and Establishing a Fire Prevention System
If the maximum occupancy exceeds 30 people, a fire prevention manager must be appointed. If the maximum occupancy exceeds 50 people, a fire prevention officer who has completed more specialized training must be appointed.
The fire prevention manager is responsible for creating a fire prevention plan and systematically carrying out fire prevention duties based on that plan. Fire prevention duties include the following:
・Creating a fire safety plan
・Conducting fire drills
・Inspecting fire prevention and firefighting equipment
Furthermore, for buildings above a certain size that meet criteria related to the number of floors, height, or occupancy, appointment of a general fire prevention manager or submission of a fire defense object inspection report may also be required. Since these requirements vary depending on the property’s structure and use, it’s important to consult with your local fire department in advance if you think they may apply.
By properly carrying out these procedures, you can ensure safe and secure operations while avoiding the risk of regulatory violations.
Requirements Beyond Fire Safety for Special Zone Minpaku
No Stays by Non-Contracted Guests
Only guests who have entered into a contract are permitted to stay at the property.
Since many minpaku properties don’t have staff permanently on-site for management, it’s necessary to establish a system to prevent unregistered guests from staying. To achieve this, clearly inform guests that only contracted individuals are permitted to stay, and consider installing security cameras in a way that respects privacy.
For example, installing a security camera limited to the entrance area and notifying guests in advance can help prevent unauthorized use of the property.
Maintaining a Guest Registry and Conducting Periodic Status Checks
For the purpose of maintaining public safety, minpaku operators are legally required to maintain a guest registry. The registry must include the following information:
- Length of stay
- Name
- Address
- Contact information
- Nationality
- Passport number (for foreign nationals)
In addition, identity verification must be conducted—either in person or via video—at both check-in and check-out. For stays of 7 nights or longer, a mid-stay check is required to confirm that the guest is using the facility appropriately. Implementing these measures helps ensure legally compliant and safe minpaku operations.
Explaining to and Communicating with Neighboring Residents
Under the Enforcement Order of the Act on National Strategic Special Zones, prior explanation to neighboring residents is mandated as follows: “Before applying for special certification, appropriate explanation must be provided to residents in the surrounding area of the facility regarding the fact that the facility will be used for the National Strategic Special Zone Foreign Visitor Accommodation Business.”
(1) Who Must Receive the Explanation
The scope of “neighboring residents” is defined by ministerial ordinance as follows:
- Persons residing in the building that comprises the facility
- Persons residing in buildings located on land adjacent to the facility’s building site
(excluding buildings where the horizontal distance between exterior walls exceeds 20 meters)
Specifically, in the case of condominiums or shared housing, everyone living in that building falls under this category. For detached houses, nearby residents within a 20-meter radius are covered. In Osaka City, holding an explanatory meeting is mandatory, and explanatory materials must also be distributed to those who cannot attend. Details of how this was carried out must be attached to the certification application.
(2) Content of the Explanation
The following content must be communicated to residents at the explanatory meeting:
- Name (or, for a corporation, the company name and representative’s name) and address of the person seeking special certification
- Overview of the business
- Name and location of the facility
- Contact information for complaint handling (name of the responsible party, phone number, etc.)
- Waste disposal methods
- Noise prevention measures
- Response procedures in emergencies such as fire
Holding the explanatory meeting and distributing the informational materials is considered sufficient; obtaining consent from every resident is not required.
(3) Complaint Handling System
Once operations begin, a 24-hour system must be established to respond promptly to complaints and emergencies at the minpaku facility. In Osaka City, operators are required to be able to arrive at the site within approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, the following documents must be submitted when applying for Special Zone Minpaku certification:
- System for responding to complaints and inquiries from residents
- Document describing the response procedures (Form 2)
Talk to Stay Buddy About Fire Safety Equipment for Your Special Zone Minpaku
Proper installation of fire safety equipment is essential for operating a safe Special Zone Minpaku. By complying with regulations and ensuring all necessary equipment is in place, you can offer guests peace of mind and confidence in your property.
That said, actually installing this equipment takes time and money, and things may not always go according to schedule. At Stay Buddy, we provide comprehensive support for Special Zone Minpaku—from fire safety equipment and applications to full operational management. If you’re interested, please feel free to reach out to us.
