Brief Description: Adding an ex officio member to the building code council.

Sponsors: Representatives Romero, Veloria and Wallace; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Hearing Date: 3/3/03

Staff: Amy Wood (786-7127).

Background:

The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is responsible for the adoption and maintenance of the various uniform codes that comprise the State Building Code. The State Building Code is a comprehensive set of technical performance standards that guide the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or repair of residential, commercial, and industrial building and structures throughout the state. The SBCC's duties include reviewing all amendments proposed by counties and cities and either approving or denying amendments that apply to single or multifamily (four or fewer units) residential buildings.

The SBCC consists of 15 members, two who must be county-elected legislative members or elected county executives and two who must be city-elected legislative body members or mayors. One member must be a local government building code enforcement official and one of the members must be a fire service official. The SBCC membership also includes individuals that represent specific specialities within the construction industry. The SBCC includes five ex-officio, nonvoting members that consist of two members of the House of Representatives, one from each caucus; two members of the Senate, one from each caucus; and an employee of the Electrical Division of the Department of Labor and Industries.

Summary of Bill:

The ex-officio, nonvoting membership of the State Building Code Council is increased from five to six with the addition of the State Director of Fire Protection which is located within the Washington State Patrol.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.