WSR 17-13-055
EXPEDITED RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed June 15, 2017, 9:58 a.m.]
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Clarifying changes to chapter 51-11R WAC, the 2015 Washington State Energy CodeResidential provisions.
NOTICE
THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Steve Simpson, Chair, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, AND RECEIVED BY August 21, 2017.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Clarifies the intent of the 2015 International Mechanical Code. With the 2015 edition, the previous LC occupancy classification was moved from the Group R category into the Group I-1, Condition 2 category. The intent is that these occupancies still be treated as residential occupancies within the requirements of the mechanical code and the energy code, but it was never specified within the scope of the rules. This rule clarifies and codifies that intent. This also clarifies that they should meet the residential provisions under the commercial portion of the Washington State Energy Code.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Many questions have arisen regarding the requirements for Group I-1, Condition 2 facilities. This rule seeks to make the intent of the code clear and to assure appropriate systems are allowed to be installed in these facilities.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27A.025, 19.27A.045.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27, 19.27A, and 34.05 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: Krista Braaksma, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, (360) 407-9278; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.
June 9, 2017
Steve K. Simpson
Council Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-02-127, filed 1/6/16, effective 7/1/16)
WAC 51-11R-10100 Section R101Scope and general requirements.
R101.1 Title. This code shall be known as the Washington State Energy Code, and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as "this code."
R101.2 Scope. This code applies to residential buildings and the buildings sites and associated systems and equipment. This code shall be the maximum and minimum energy code for residential construction in each town, city and county. Residential sleeping units, Group I-1, Condition 2 assisted living facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 388-78A WAC and Group I-1, Condition 2 residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 246-337 WAC shall utilize the commercial building sections of the energy code regardless of the number of stories of height above grade plane.
R101.3 Intent. This code shall regulate the design and construction of buildings for the effective use and conservation of energy over the useful life of each building. This code is intended to provide flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve this objective. This code is not intended to abridge safety, health or environmental requirements contained in other applicable codes or ordinances.
R101.4 Applicability. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern.
R101.4.1 Mixed occupancy. Where a building includes both residential and commercial occupancies, each occupancy shall be separately considered and meet the applicable provisions of the WSEC - Commercial and Residential Provisions.
R101.5 Compliance. Residential buildings shall meet the provisions of WSEC - Residential Provisions. Commercial buildings shall meet the provisions of WSEC - Commercial Provisions.
R101.5.1 Compliance materials. The code official shall be permitted to approve specific computer software, worksheets, compliance manuals and other similar materials that meet the intent of this code.