WSR 14-17-111 PROPOSED RULES BUILDING CODE COUNCIL [Filed August 19, 2014, 2:00 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 14-06-028.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amendments to WAC 51-50-0200 and 51-50-0903 of the 2012 International Building Code.
Hearing Location(s): DES Presentation Room, 1500 Jefferson S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, on October 10, 2014, at 10 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: November 14, 2014.
Submit Written Comments to: Ray Allshouse, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, e-mail sbcc@ga,wa,gov [sbcc@ga.wa.gov], fax (360) 586-5366, by October 24, 2014.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Peggy Bryden by September 30, 2014, (360) 407-9280.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: This amendment to the Building Code will redefine "portable school classrooms" and add a definition of "clusters" of such classrooms; it will modify the requirements for fire sprinklers in clusters of portable school classrooms below six thousand square feet for the purpose of improving fire safety and efficient egress for school occupants.
This matter is also the subject of an emergency rule currently in place under WSR 14-17-065.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The existing code language regarding portable classrooms was originally adopted many years ago and has become obsolete due to changes in technology and fire safety requirements for schools. It no longer reflects the needs of school districts regarding fire safety in portable school classrooms. The existing rules negatively impact building plans for school districts throughout the state. This proposed modification of the Building Code will provide immediate economic relief to school districts planning to add portable classrooms to meet capacity, and will provide a safer environment for students, school staff, and other Group E building occupants and visitors. Identical changes have been submitted to modify the Fire Code in WAC 51-54A-0202 and 51-54A-0903 under WSR 14-16-030.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.031.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 19.27 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: State building code council, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Joanne McCaughan, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, (360) 407-9279; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules pertain to Group E portable school classrooms, and would revise the Building Code. The rules are proposed for adoption due to numerous requests for interpretation for this code section. The rules will eliminate obsolete language related to portables, and will add definitions for "portable school classrooms" and for "clusters" of such classrooms. The rule will also clarify and modify requirements for fire sprinklers in such classrooms. Existing rules have had a negative impact on school districts, and adoption of these proposed rules will eliminate that impact.
A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting Joanne McCaughan, Washington State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, phone (360) 480-2596, fax (360) 586-9088, e-mail joanne.mccaughan@des.wa.gov.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The state building code council is not a listed agency under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(a)(i).
June 13, 2014
C. Ray Allshouse
Council Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-067, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-50-0200 Chapter 2—Definitions.
SECTION 202—DEFINITIONS.
adult family home. A dwelling, licensed by Washington state, in which a person or persons provide personal care, special care, room and board to more than one but not more than six adults who are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the services.
air-impermeable insulation. An insulation having an air permeance equal to or less than 0.02 L/s-m2 at 75 Pa pressure differential tested in accordance with ASTM E2178 or ASTM E283.
child care. The care of children during any period of a 24-hour day.
child care, family home. A child care facility, licensed by Washington state, located in the dwelling of the person or persons under whose direct care and supervision the child is placed, for the care of twelve or fewer children, including children who reside at the home.
CLUSTER. Clusters are multiple portable school classrooms separated by less than the requirements of the building code for separate buildings.
HOSPICE CARE CENTER. A building or portion thereof used on a 24-hour basis for the provision of hospice services to terminally ill inpatients.
NIGHTCLUB. An A-2 Occupancy use under the 2006 International Building Code in which the aggregate area of concentrated use of unfixed chairs and standing space that is specifically designated and primarily used for dancing or viewing performers exceeds three hundred fifty square feet, excluding adjacent lobby areas. "Nightclub" does not include theaters with fixed seating, banquet halls, or lodge halls.
NONSTRUCTURAL CONCRETE. Any element made of plain or reinforced concrete that is not part of a structural system required to transfer either gravity or lateral loads to the ground.
PORTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM. A prefabricated structure((,)) consisting of one or more rooms with direct exterior egress from the classroom(s). The structure is transportable in one or more sections((, which requires a chassis to be transported,)) and is designed to be used as an educational space with or without a permanent foundation. The structure shall be ((trailerable and)) capable of being demounted and relocated to other locations as needs arise.
SMALL BUSINESS. Any business entity (including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership or other legal entity) which is owned and operated independently from all other businesses, which has the purpose of making a profit, and which has fifty or fewer employees.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-067, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-50-0903 Section 903—Automatic sprinkler systems.
903.2.1.6 Nightclub. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-2 nightclubs as defined in this code.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E Occupancies.
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy, where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. Where a Group M occupancy that is used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m2).
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
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