SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5634
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. |
As of February 12, 2019
Title: An act relating to the state building code council.
Brief Description: Concerning the state building code council.
Sponsors: Senators Brown, Becker and Schoesler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government: 2/12/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: State Building Code. The State Building Code (Code) establishes minimum performance standards and requirements for construction and construction materials in the state, consistent with accepted standards of engineering, fire, and life safety. The Code comprises a number of model codes and standards, developed and published by international and national organizations, which are adopted by reference in the State Building Code Act (Act). Model codes and standards adopted in the Act include the International Building Code, the International Residential Code, and the Uniform Plumbing Code Standards.
The State Building Code Council (Council) is responsible for adopting, amending, and maintaining the model codes and standards adopted by reference in the Act. Amendments to the model codes and standards adopted by the Council are codified in the Washington Administrative Code. The Council reviews updated editions of each model code and standard every three years.
Summary of Bill: Beginning December 1, 2020, the State Building Code Council must adopt or amend statewide codes every five years.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill extends the code cycle from three to five years and will be more efficient for the building code council. The only thing wrong with this bill is that the code cycle is not long enough. We would like to see a six-year code cycle.
CON: There are circumstances when it is appropriate for the building code council to amend the code between code cycles but this bill would not allow those to occur. This bill will cause unnecessary delays in implementing recent amendments to the international code, especially with respect to mass timber products. It would be a shame to amend the code cycle to disadvantage innovation with respect to timber-related products. This bill would set Washington behind the national standard. Building codes set out the minimum requirements to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Sharon Brown, Prime Sponsor; Jan Himebaugh, Building Industry Association of Washington. CON: Kraig Stevenson, International Code Council; Martin Flynn, Forterra; Brian Hatfield, Washington State Department of Commerce; Tom Rieger, AIA Washington Council.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.