SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1768

BYRepresentatives Todd and Nutley; by request of Department of Community Development

Increasing the building permit fee.

House Committe on Housing

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Metcalf, Stratton, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Ahern (786-7449)

                  April 3, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The State Building Code Council was established to develop and maintain the various codes that establish construction standards for residential, commercial and industrial structures in the state.  These codes and related standards comprise the State Building Code.  The State Building Code Council was originally established by the Legislature in 1975 as an advisory body.  In 1985, legislation was passed that changed the State Building Code Council's responsibilities from advisory to rule making.

There is imposed a surcharge fee of $1.50 on each building permit issued by a county or city.  The fee is used by the Department of Community Development to provide staff services to the State Building Code Council and to conduct research into code related matters assigned by the Legislature.

In 1988, the Legislature authorized an additional surcharge of $2.00 on each building permit.  The additional surcharge was necessary to support the activities of the State Building Code Council.  The additional surcharge will expire on June 30, 1989.

SUMMARY:

The building permit surcharge fee is increased from $1.50 to $4.50 on each building permit issued by a county or city plus an additional surcharge of $2.00 per residential unit on buildings with more than one residential unit.  The building permit surcharges are used to support the activities of the State Building Code Council.

Appropriation:    $320,000 is appropriated from the building code council account to the Department of Community Development.

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The Building Code Council is required to adopt rules for recommending changes in the fee structure.

The appropriation of $320,000 is deleted.

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Todd, prime sponsor; Marc Sullivan, Building Code Council