Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 2518
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Regarding the state building code council regulation of processes and equipment used for commercial and industrial processes.
Sponsors: Representatives Buys, Nealey, Crouse and Hasegawa.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/12
Staff: Kelly Pfundheller (786-7289).
Background:
The State Building Code Council.
The State Building Code Council (Council) was established in 1974 to provide analysis and advice to the Legislature and the Office of the Governor on state building code issues. The Council establishes the minimum building, mechanical, fire, plumbing, and energy code requirements in Washington by reviewing, developing, and adopting the state building code. The State Building Code Act (Act) sets forth requirements through the provision of building codes to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings and structures throughout the state.The Act consists of regulations adopted by reference from the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code, the International Mechanical Code, the National Fuel Gas Code, the International Fire Code, and the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards. It also includes the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), which is a state-written, state-specific code. The WSEC provides a minimum level of energy efficiency, but allows flexibility in building design, construction, and heating equipment efficiencies. The Council reviews, updates, and adopts new model state building codes every three years.
Commercial or Industrial Processing and Activities.
The scope of the various building codes covers certain commercial and industrial processes that may be connected, attached, or otherwise associated with buildings. For instance, the IBC regulates the equipment, use and occupancy, and maintenance of every building, and the structures and components connected or attached to buildings. The International Mechanical Code regulates the design, installation, maintenance, alteration, and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings.
The WSEC sets forth minimum requirements for the design and commissioning of new or altered buildings and structures or portions that provide facilities or shelter for business, mercantile, institutional, storage, factory, and industrial occupancies. To that end, the WSEC regulates exterior envelopes and the selection of mechanical systems, domestic water systems, electrical and lighting systems, and equipment for efficient use and conservation of energy.
Summary of Bill:
Equipment or processes used for commercial or industrial processing or activities unrelated to the building structure are exempt from the State Building Code Act and WSEC.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 7, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.