HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5508
As Passed House:
February 22, 2024
Title: An act relating to promoting local agriculture through greenhouses.
Brief Description: Promoting local agriculture through greenhouses.
Sponsors: Senators Short, Shewmake, Warnick, Wilson, J. and Wilson, L..
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government: 2/14/24, 2/16/24 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/22/24, 93-0.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides that the State Building Code does not apply to any temporary growing structures used solely for the production of horticultural plants.
  • Establishes that a temporary growing structure is not considered a structure for purposes of the State Building Code.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 6 members:Representatives Duerr, Chair; Alvarado, Vice Chair; Goehner, Ranking Minority Member; Jacobsen, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Berg and Riccelli.
Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).
Background:

State Building Code Council.

 
The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is a state agency that adopts and updates the State Building Code (Code).  The Code adopted by the SBCC establishes the minimum building, mechanical, fire, plumbing, and energy code requirements applicable to the construction of buildings.

 

State Building Code.


The Code is comprised of model codes published by the International Code Council, including building, residential, and fire codes, adopted by reference in statute, as well as rules developed and adopted by the SBCC.  The model codes typically set forth the industry standard.  The SBCC reviews updated editions of each model code and standard every three years.

 

Temporary Growing Structures.


A temporary growing structure is a structure that has sides and a roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or other similar flexible synthetic material that is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention.

 

The Code does not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants, including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits.  A temporary growing shelter is not considered a building for purposes of the Code.
Summary of Bill:

The Code does not apply to a temporary growing structure used solely for the production of horticultural plants, rather than solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants.


A temporary growing structure is redefined as a structure that has a roof, rather than both sides and a roof, covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or other similar flexible synthetic material that is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention.


A temporary growing structure is not considered a building or structure for purposes of the Code.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is designed to incentivize local communities to grow their own food for their families and communities.  COVID-19 caused interruptions in food supplies.  People love farmers markets and the connections made with local growers.  This bill has received unanimous support and the State Building Code Council has no concerns.  This is the second time this bill has come through the Legislature.  It made it all the way through the Senate in 2022, but failed to reach a vote on the House floor due to time constraints.  There are no changes to this version of the bill.  It promotes food availability, particularly in Eastern Washington which has a more severe environment than Western Washington.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying:

Senator Shelly Short, prime sponsor; and Scott Simmons, Hall Creek Farms.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.