WSR 10-18-036

PERMANENT RULES

BUILDING CODE COUNCIL


[ Filed August 25, 2010, 1:47 p.m. , effective September 25, 2010 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: To implement corrections in the regular rule-making process:


Correction of a numerical citation and clarify that a specific section of the International Residential Code is not adopted within WAC 51-51-0313.
Correction of several cross references within WAC 51-51-0325.
Correction of a single cross reference within WAC 51-51-0408.
Correction/deletion of a misplaced section title in WAC 51-51-0602.
Correction of several cross references within WAC 51-51-0612.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 51-51-0313, 51-51-0325, 51-51-0408, 51-51-0602, and 51-51-0612.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 19.27 RCW.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 10-13-183 on June 23, 2010.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: August 24, 2010.

John Cochran

Chair

OTS-3265.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 10-03-098, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10)

WAC 51-51-0313   Section R313 -- Automatic fire sprinkler systems.  


((R313.1 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.)) This section ((is)) not adopted.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 10-03-098, § 51-51-0313, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-090, § 51-51-0313, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-109, § 51-51-0313, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-04-023, filed 1/27/09, effective 7/1/10)

WAC 51-51-0325   Section R325 -- Adult family homes.  


SECTION R325

ADULT FAMILY HOMES



R325.1 General. This section shall apply to all newly constructed adult family homes and all existing single family homes being converted to adult family homes. This section shall not apply to those adult family homes licensed by the state of Washington department of social and health services prior to July 1, 2001.


R325.2 Submittal Standards. In addition to those requirements in Section 106.1, the submittal shall identify the project as a Group R-3 Adult Family Home Occupancy. A floor plan shall be submitted identifying the means of egress and the components in the means of egress such as stairs, ramps, platform lifts and elevators. The plans shall indicate the rooms used for clients and the sleeping room classification of each room.


R325.3 Sleeping Room Classification. Each sleeping room in an adult family home shall be classified as:

     1. Type S - where the means of egress contains stairs, elevators or platform lifts.

     2. Type NS1 - where one means of egress is at grade level or a ramp constructed in accordance with R325.9 is provided.

     3. Type NS2 - where two means of egress are at grade level or ramps constructed in accordance with R325.9 are provided.


R325.4 Types of Locking Devices. All bedroom and bathroom doors shall be openable from the outside when locked.

     Every closet shall be readily openable from the inside.

     Operable parts of door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other devices installed in adult family homes shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5.0 pounds (22.2 N) maximum. Exit doors shall have no additional locking devices.


R325.5 Smoke Alarm Requirements. All adult family homes shall be equipped with smoke alarms installed as required in Section ((R313)) R314. Alarms shall be installed in such a manner so that the fire warning may be audible in all parts of the dwelling upon activation of a single device.


R325.6 Escape Windows and Doors. Every sleeping room shall be provided with emergency escape and rescue windows as required by Section R310. No alternatives to the sill height such as steps, raised platforms or other devices placed by the openings will be approved as meeting this requirement.


R325.7 Fire Apparatus Access Roads and Water Supply for Fire Protection. Adult family homes shall be served by fire apparatus access roads and water supplies meeting the requirements of the local jurisdiction.


R325.8 Grab Bars. Grab bars shall be installed for all water closets and bathtubs and showers. The grab bars shall comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1 Sections 604.5 and 607.4 and 608.3.


EXCEPTION: Grab bars are not required for water closets and bathtubs and showers used exclusively by staff of the adult family home.

R325.9 Ramps. All interior and exterior ramps, when provided, shall be constructed in accordance with Section ((R311.6)) R311.8 with a maximum slope of 1 vertical to 12 horizontal. The exception to ((R311.6.1)) R311.8.1 is not allowed for adult family homes. Handrails shall be installed in accordance with R325.9.1.


R325.9.1 Handrails for Ramps. Handrails shall be installed on both sides of ramps between the slope of 1 vertical to 12 horizontal and 1 vertical and 20 horizontal in accordance with R311.6.3.1 through R311.6.3.3.


R325.10 Stair Treads and Risers. Stair treads and risers shall be constructed in accordance with ((R311.5.3.2)) R311.7.4. Handrails shall be installed in accordance with R325.10.1.


R325.10.1 Handrails for Treads and Risers. Handrails shall be installed on both sides of treads and risers numbering from one riser to multiple risers. Handrails shall be installed in accordance with ((R311.5.6.1)) R311.7.7 through ((R311.5.6.3)) R311.7.7.4.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.190, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 09-04-023, § 51-51-0325, filed 1/27/09, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-090, § 51-51-0325, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-109, § 51-51-0325, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 10-03-098, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10)

WAC 51-51-0408   Section R408 -- Under-floor space.  


R408.1 Ventilation. The under-floor space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building (except space occupied by a basement) shall have ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls.


R408.2 Openings for under-floor ventilation. The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be less than 1 square foot (0.0929 m2) for each 300 square feet (28 m2) of under-floor area. One ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of each corner of the building, except one side of the building shall be permitted to have no ventilation openings. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed 1/4 inch (6.4 mm):

     1. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.

     2. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.

     3. Cast-iron grill or grating.

     4. Extruded load-bearing brick vents.

     5. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.

     6. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).


EXCEPTION: The total area of ventilation openings shall be permitted to be reduced to 1/1,500 of the under-floor area where the ground surface is covered with an approved Class I vapor retarder material and the required openings are placed to provide cross ventilation of the space. The installation of operable louvers shall not be prohibited. If the installed ventilation is less than 1/300, or if operable louvers are installed, a radon vent shall be installed to originate from a point between the ground cover and soil. The radon vent shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Appendix F (Radon) of this code.

R408.3 Unvented crawl space. Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in Sections R408.1 and R408.2 shall not be required where:

     1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6 inches (152 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall; and a radon system shall be installed that meets the requirements of Appendix F (Radon) of this code.

     2. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation is provided at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of crawlspace floor area. Exhaust ventilation shall terminate to the exterior.


EXCEPTION: Plenum in existing structures complying with Section ((M1601.4)) M1601.5, if under-floor space is used as a plenum.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 10-03-098, § 51-51-0408, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-090, § 51-51-0408, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 10-03-098, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10)

WAC 51-51-0602   Section R602 -- Wood wall framing.  


R602.9 Foundation cripple walls. Foundation cripple walls shall be framed of studs not smaller than the studding above. When exceeding 4 feet (1219 mm) in height, such walls shall be framed of studs having the size required for an additional story.

     Cripple walls supporting bearing walls or exterior walls or interior braced wall panels as required in Sections R403.1.2 and R602.10.7.1 with a stud height less than 14 inches (356 mm) shall be sheathed on at least one side with a wood structural panel that is fastened to both the top and bottom plates in accordance with Table R602.3(1), or the cripple walls shall be constructed of solid blocking. Cripple walls shall be supported on continuous footings or foundations.


EXCEPTION: Footings supporting cripple walls used to support interior braced wall panels as required in Sections R403.1.2 and R602.10.7.1 shall be continuous for the required length of the cripple wall and constructed beyond the cripple wall for a minimum distance of 4 inches and a maximum distance of the footing thickness. The footings extension is not required at intersections with other footings.

R602.10.1.2 Length of bracing. The length of bracing along each braced wall line shall be the greater of that required by the design wind speed and braced wall line spacing in accordance with Table R602.10.1.2(1) as adjusted by the factors in the footnotes or the Seismic Design Category and braced wall line length in accordance with Table R602.10.1.2(2) as adjusted by the factors in Table R602.10.1.2(3). Braced wall panel locations shall comply with the requirements of Section R602.10.1.4. Only walls that are parallel to the braced wall line shall be counted toward the bracing requirement of that line, except angled walls shall be counted in accordance with Section R602.10.1.3. In no case shall the minimum total length of bracing in a braced wall line, after all adjustments have been taken, be less than 48 inches (1219 mm) total.


R602.10.1.5 Braced wall line spacing for Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2. Spacing between braced wall lines in each story shall not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm) on center in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.


EXCEPTION: In one-story and two-story buildings, spacing between two adjacent braced wall lines shall not exceed 35 feet (10,668 mm) on center in order to accommodate one single room not exceeding 900 square feet (84 m2) in each dwelling unit or accessory structure. Spacing between all other braced wall lines shall not exceed 25 feet (7 620 mm). A spacing of 35 feet (10,668 mm) or less shall be permitted between braced wall lines where the length of wall bracing required by Table R602.10.1.2(2) is multiplied by the appropriate adjustment factor from Table R602.10.1.5, the length-to-width ratio for the floor/roof diaphragm does not exceed 3:1, and the top plate lap splice face nailing is twelve 16d nails on each side of the splice.


((R602.10.2 Cripple wall bracing.))


R602.10.2.3 Redesignation of cripple walls. In any Seismic Design Category, cripple walls are permitted to be redesignated as the first story walls for purposes of determining wall bracing requirements. If the cripple walls are redesignated, the stories above the redesignated story shall be counted as the second and third stories, respectively.


R602.10.7.1 Braced wall panel support for Seismic Design Category D2. In one-story buildings located in Seismic Design Category D2, braced wall panels shall be supported on continuous foundations at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15,240 mm). In two-story buildings located in Seismic Design Category D2, all braced wall panels shall be supported on continuous foundations.


R602.10.9 Cripple wall bracing. In Seismic Design Categories other than D2, cripple walls supporting bearing walls or exterior walls or interior braced wall panels as required in R403.1.2 and R602.10.7.1 shall be braced with a length and type of bracing as required for the wall above in accordance with Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2) with the following modifications for cripple wall bracing:

     1. The length of bracing as determined from Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2) shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.15, and

     2. The wall panel spacing shall be decreased to 18 feet (5486 mm) instead of 25 feet (7620 mm).


R602.10.9.1 Cripple wall bracing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2. In addition to the requirements of Section R602.10.9, where braced wall lines at interior walls occur without a continuous foundation below, the length of parallel exterior cripple wall bracing shall be 1 1/2 times the length required by Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2). Where cripple walls braced using Method WSP of Section R602.10.2 cannot provide this additional length, the capacity of the sheathing shall be increased by reducing the spacing of fasteners along the perimeter of each piece of sheathing to 4 inches (102 mm) on center.

     In Seismic Design Category D2, cripple walls supporting bearing walls or exterior walls or interior braced wall panels as required in Sections R403.1.2 and R602.10.7.1 shall be braced in accordance with Tables R602.10.1.2(1) and R602.10.1.2(2).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 10-03-098, § 51-51-0602, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.190, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 08-01-102, § 51-51-0602, filed 12/18/07, effective 4/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-090, § 51-51-0602, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 10-03-098, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10.)

WAC 51-51-0612   Section R612 -- Exterior windows and glass doors.  


R612.6 Testing and labeling. Exterior windows and sliding doors shall be tested by an approved independent laboratory, and bear a label identifying manufacturer, performance characteristics and approved inspection agency to indicated compliance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. Exterior side-hinged doors shall be tested and labeled as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 or comply with Section ((R613.6)) R612.6.


EXCEPTIONS: 1. Decorative glazed openings.
2. Custom exterior windows and doors manufactured by a small business shall be exempt from all testing requirements in Section ((R-613)) R612 of the International Residential Code provided they meet the applicable provisions of Chapter 24 of the International Building Code.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 10-03-098, amended and recodified as § 51-51-0612, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-090, § 51-51-0613, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07.]

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