WSR 23-01-038
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed December 13, 2022, 1:02 p.m., effective December 13, 2022, 1:02 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This emergency rule allows the factory assembled structure (FAS) program to effectively approve plans for commercial coach trailers, factory-built housing and commercial structures, recreational park trailers, recreational vehicles, and conversion vendor units (food trucks and trailers) as required under RCW 43.22.360 and 43.22.480. The rule language includes changes to chapters 296-150C and 296-150F WAC that clarify plan submission requirements. The rule adds provisions to chapters 296-150P, 296-150R, and 296-150V WAC to allow plans for recreational park trailers, recreational vehicles (RVs), and conversion vendor units to be reviewed and approved by a licensed professional engineer, architect or firm as authorized by RCW 43.22.360(3).
This emergency rule is needed to allow the FAS program (program) to continue addressing a backlog of more than 500 design plans that still exist, while permanent rules are being developed.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 296-150P-0315, 296-150P-0520, 296-150P-0530, 296-150P-0540, 296-150P-0550, 296-150P-0560, 296-150P-0570, 296-150P-0580, 296-150P-0590, 296-150P-3001, 296-150R-0315, 296-150R-0520, 296-150R-0530, 296-150R-0540, 296-150R-0550, 296-150R-0560, 296-150R-0570, 296-150R-0580, 296-150R-0590, 296-150R-3001, 296-150V-0420, 296-150V-0430, 296-150V-0440, 296-150V-0450, 296-150V-0460, 296-150V-0470, 296-150V-0480, 296-150V-0490 and 296-150V-3001; and amending WAC 296-150C-0310, 296-150C-0420, 296-150C-0430, 296-150C-0460, 296-150C-0480, 296-150F-0310, 296-150F-0420, 296-150F-0430, 296-150F-0460, 296-150F-0480, 296-150P-0020, and 296-150V-0310.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.22.360(3), 43.22.480(3).
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: This emergency rule making allows the program to address the backlog of 500 design plans that still exists, while permanent rules are being developed. The department of labor and industries (L&I) filed a preproposal statement of inquiry (CR-101) to initiate the permanent rule-making process on August 16, 2022. L&I will be seeking input from stakeholders in the development of the permanent rules.
In February 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Washington state to respond to the COVID-19 virus, which ultimately became a global pandemic. L&I has been involved in several efforts to respond to the pandemic effects on the economy, employment, and worker safety. As a result of L&I's response, resources and staffing shortages in the program have developed a backlog of plans for review and approval. This emergency rule is needed to protect the general welfare of Washingtonians by ensuring plans for commercial coaches, factory-built housing and commercial structures, recreational park trailers, RVs, and conversion vendor units are approved in a timely manner and inspected to the safety standards of chapters 296-150C, 296-150F, 296-150P, 296-150R, and 296-150V WAC. If the emergency rule is not adopted, the backlog of plans needing review by the program will significantly increase and likely cause serious harm to the entire FAS industry by impacting production as well as putting the public at risk of harm due to the lack of safety inspections for these structures prior to them being used by businesses and the public.
As of this filing, the program has more than 500 plans waiting for review by the program's seven plans examiners. L&I has worked aggressively to hire more plan reviewers. These plans are for all the types of structures identified above and include everything from simple RV trailers to large commercial buildings.
The backlog has also created delays in public safety inspections of factory-built housing and commercial structures and of conversion vendor units (food trucks and trailers), because inspections cannot be performed without approved plans. In addition, lacking plans for some of their designs, the RV and recreational park trailer industries face delays in sending their products to Washington, as they cannot apply Washington labels to models that have not been reviewed and approved.
These changes and additions made in the emergency rule will help address and reduce the backlog of plan reviews and promote timely public safety inspections by providing for "licensed professional" plan reviews for the program. This will provide manufacturers with an alternate method to obtain approved plans in a timely manner, thus helping businesses remain in business or continue business operations. In addition, updating the existing rules in chapters 296-150C and 296-150F WAC will make it easier for manufacturers using licensed professional reviews, by simplifying and clarifying our requirements for those types of plans.
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 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 29, Amended 12, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 29, Amended 12, 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 29, Amended 12, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: December 13, 2022.
Joel Sacks
Director
OTS-3538.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-14-078, filed 6/30/98, effective 7/31/98)
WAC 296-150C-0310Who can approve design plans?
(1) Design plans can be approved by us or by a licensed professional or firm authorized by us. (See WAC 296-150C-0420 and 296-150C-0430.)
(2) All electrical design plans for new or altered electrical installations for educational institutions, health care facilities, and other buildings required by chapter 296-46 WAC, Safety standards—Installing electric wires and equipment—Administrative rules, must be reviewed and approved by us.
(3) ((A professional cannot approve plans submitted under a reciprocal agreement.))All design plans submitted under a reciprocal agreement for multistate approval must be reviewed and approved by us.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-21-146, filed 10/23/96, effective 11/25/96)
WAC 296-150C-0420Who can be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) A professional engineer, architect or firm licensed by the state of Washington according to the Engineers Registration Act, chapter 18.43 RCW and/or the Architects Registration Act, chapter 18.08 RCW; or
(2) A professional engineer, architect or firm licensed in another state that has licensing or certification requirements that meet or exceed Washington requirements.
(3) A professional who designs and certifies that the commercial coach design meets state requirements cannot also approve the design plan in the plan approval process.
(4) A professional cannot approve those electrical designs listed in WAC 296-150C-0310(2).
(5) A professional cannot approve plans submitted under a reciprocal agreement.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-21-146, filed 10/23/96, effective 11/25/96)
WAC 296-150C-0430What information must a professional or firm provide to be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) Name, a copy of your certificate of registration or authority, and address of the professional engineer ((or)), architect, or firm; ((or))and
(2) ((Name, a copy of your certificate of authority, and address of the firm; and
(3))) A description of the services the professional engineer, architect, or firm will provide in the areas of structural, fire and life safety, energy, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plan review; and
(((4) A description))(3) A summary of the professional's ((area(s) of))or firm's expertise and qualifications ((which include:
(a) A summary of the professional's or firm's experience; and
(b) Verification of experience in your area of expertise such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, energy, electrical, fire and life safety, and ventilation and indoor air quality))to review plans in the areas identified by the description of services.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-14-078, filed 6/30/98, effective 7/31/98)
WAC 296-150C-0460What information must a manufacturer ((provide))send to the department when a professional or firm does the design-plan approval?
You must ((provide))send us the following information ((with))in your approved design plans:
(1) A completed departmental design-plan approval request form;
(2) ((Two or more))A set((s)) of design plans ((plus elevation)), drawings, specifications, engineering analysis, and test results and procedures necessary for a complete code evaluation of the design. These design plans must ((have an original wet stamp, be signed, and dated))be sealed by the ((approving))design professional(s) (((see WAC 296-150C-0340 and 296-150C-0350)))in accordance with chapters 196-23 and 308-12 WAC;
(3) A cover sheet on the design plan noting which professional approved each portion of the design plan;
(4) A copy of the authorization letter from us;
(5) The design plan fee for design plans approved by professionals or firms; (see WAC 296-150C-3000.)
(((6) A professional who designs and certifies that the commercial coach design meets state requirements cannot also approve the design plan in the plan approval process;
(7) A professional cannot approve those electrical designs listed in WAC 296-150C-0310(2); and
(8) A professional cannot approve plans submitted under a reciprocal agreement.))
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-21-146, filed 10/23/96, effective 11/25/96)
WAC 296-150C-0480Do you have a list of professionals or firms that are authorized to approve design plans?
Yes. We will maintain a list of the licensed professionals and firms that are authorized to approve design plans for commercial coaches.
OTS-3539.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 12-15-061, filed 7/17/12, effective 9/1/12)
WAC 296-150F-0310Who can approve design plans?
(1) Design plans can be approved by us or by a licensed professional or firm authorized by us (see WAC 296-150F-0420 and 296-150F-0430).
(2) All electrical design plans for new or altered electrical installations for educational, institutional, health care facilities, and other buildings (see WAC 296-46B-900) must be reviewed and approved by us.
(3) All design plans submitted under a reciprocal agreement for multistate approval must be reviewed and approved by us.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-21-146, filed 10/23/96, effective 11/25/96)
WAC 296-150F-0420Who can be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) A professional engineer, architect, or firm licensed by the state of Washington according to the Engineers Registration Act, chapter 18.43 RCW and/or the Architects Registration Act, chapter 18.08 RCW; or
(2) A professional engineer, architect or firm licensed in another state that has licensing or certification requirements that meet or exceed Washington requirements.
(3) A professional who designs and certifies that the factory-built home or commercial structure design meets state requirements cannot also approve the design plan in the plan approval process;
(4) A professional cannot approve those electrical designs listed in WAC 296-150F-0310(2); and
(5) A professional cannot approve plans submitted under a reciprocal agreement.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-21-146, filed 10/23/96, effective 11/25/96)
WAC 296-150F-0430What information must a professional or firm provide to be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) Name, a copy of your certificate of registration or authority, and address of the professional engineer ((or)), architect, or firm; ((or))and
(2) ((Name, a copy of your certificate of authority, and address of the firm; and
(3))) A description of the services the professional engineer, architect, or firm will provide in the areas of structural, fire and life safety, energy, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plan review; and
(((4) A description))(3) A summary of the professional's ((area(s) of))or firm's expertise and qualifications ((which include:
(a) A summary of the professional's or firm's experience; and
(b) Verification of experience in your area of expertise such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, energy, electrical, fire and life safety, and ventilation and indoor air quality))to review plans in the areas identified by the description of services.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-14-078, filed 6/30/98, effective 7/31/98)
WAC 296-150F-0460What information must a manufacturer ((provide))send to the department when a professional or firm does the design plan approval?
You must ((provide))send us the following information ((with))in your approved design plan:
(1) A completed departmental design plan approval request form;
(2) ((Two or more))A set((s)) of the design plan((s plus elevation)) drawings, specifications, engineering analysis, and test results and procedures necessary for a complete code evaluation of the design. These design plans must ((have an original wet stamp, be signed, and dated))be sealed by the ((approving))design professional(s) (((see WAC 296-150F-0340 and 296-150F-0350)))in accordance with chapters 196-23 and 308-12 WAC;
(3) A cover sheet on the design plan noting which professional approved each portion of the design plan;
(4) A copy of the authorization letter from us; and
(5) The design plan fee for design plans approved by professionals or firms (see WAC 296-150F-3000)((;
(6) A professional who designs and certifies that the factory-built home or commercial structure design meets state requirements cannot also approve the design plan in the plan approval process;
(7) A professional cannot approve those electrical designs listed in WAC 296-150F-0310(2); and
(8) A professional cannot approve plans submitted under a reciprocal agreement)).
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-21-146, filed 10/23/96, effective 11/25/96)
WAC 296-150F-0480Do you have a list of professionals or firms that are authorized to submit design plans?
Yes. We will maintain a list of the licensed professionals and firms that are authorized to approve design plans for factory-built housing and commercial structures.
OTS-3540.4
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 12-15-061, filed 7/17/12, effective 9/1/12)
WAC 296-150P-0020What definitions apply to this chapter?
"Alteration" is the replacement, addition, modification, or removal of any equipment or material that affects the fire and life safety provisions, structural system, plumbing systems, fuel systems and equipment or electrical systems of a recreational park trailer.
The following changes are not considered alterations for purposes of this chapter:
• Repairs with approved parts;
• Modification of a fuel-burning appliance according to the terms of its listing; and
• Adjustment and maintenance of equipment.
"Alteration insignia" is an insignia which indicates a recreational park trailer alteration was approved by the department.
"ANSI" is the American National Standards Institute, Inc., and the institute's rules applicable to recreational park trailers. For the purposes of this chapter, references to ANSI mean ANSI A119.5 Recreational Park Trailers, current edition.
"Approved" is approved by the department of labor and industries.
"Audit" by the department is the department inspection of a manufacturer's quality control procedures, comprehensive plans, and recreational park trailers.
"Comprehensive design plan" consists of the design plans and copies of drawings such as:
• Floor plans relating to fire and life safety, structural, electrical, plumbing, liquefied petroleum (LP) and/or natural gas systems and appliances and air conditioning systems, if applicable to the plan of each recreational park trailer.
• Plumbing line drawings which describe the size, length and location of gas piping lines, liquid and body waste lines, liquid and body waste tanks, and potable water tanks.
• Electrical drawings. (See WAC 296-150P-0330.)
"Consumer" is a person or organization who buys or leases recreational park trailers.
"Dealer" is a person or organization whose business is offering recreational park trailers for sale or lease.
"Department" is the department of labor and industries. The department may be referred to as "we" or "us" in this chapter. Note: You may contact us at: Department of Labor and Industries, Specialty Compliance, P.O. Box 44430, Olympia, WA 98504-4430.
"Equipment" is all material, appliances, fixtures, and accessories used in the manufacture or alteration of recreational park trailers.
"Manual" is a reference containing instructions, procedures, responsibilities and other information used to implement and maintain the quality control program of a recreational park trailer manufacturer.
"National Electrical Code" see Appendix 'C' of ANSI A119.5 for reference to the appropriate edition to use for compliance.
"Recreational park trailer"also known as a "Park Model RV" is a trailer-type unit that is primarily designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or seasonal use, that meets the following criteria:
• Built on a single chassis, mounted on wheels;
• Having a gross trailer area not exceeding 400 square feet (37.15 square meters) in the set-up mode; and
• Certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5.
"Quality control" is the plan and method for ensuring that the manufacture, fabrication, assembly, installation, storing, handling, and use of materials complies with this chapter and ANSI.
"State-plan insignia" is an insignia which is obtained under the state design-plan approval process.
"System" is a part of a recreational park trailer that is designed to serve a particular function such as plumbing, electrical, heating, mechanical or structural system.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0315Who can approve design plans?
(1) Comprehensive design plans for recreational park trailers can be approved by us or by a licensed professional or firm authorized by us. (See WAC 296-150P-0520 and 296-150P-0530.)
(2) All design plans for quality control manuals must be reviewed and approved by the department.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0520Who can be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) A professional engineer, architect, or firm licensed by the state of Washington according to the Engineers Registration Act, chapter 18.43 RCW and/or the Architects Registration Act, chapter 18.08 RCW; or
(2) A professional engineer, architect, or firm licensed in another state that has licensing or certification requirements that meet or exceed Washington requirements.
(3) A professional cannot approve quality control plans.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0530What information must a professional or firm provide to be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) Name, a copy of your certificate of registration or authority, and address of the professional engineer, architect, or firm; and
(2) A description of the services the professional engineer, architect, or firm will provide in the areas of structural, fire and life safety, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plan review for recreational park trailers; and
(3) A summary of the professional's or firm's expertise and qualifications to review plans in the areas identified by the description of services.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0540How will I know whether I am authorized to approve design plans?
Within 60 days after you submit the information requested in WAC 296-150P-0530, we will send you a letter either approving or denying your authorization request.
(1) If we approve your request, your name is added to the list of licensed professionals and firms authorized to approve design plans.
(a) We will authorize a professional to approve portions of a design plan within his or her area of expertise; and
(b) We will authorize an engineering or architectural firm to approve plans if the firm employs or contracts with professionals within the area of expertise necessary for the design plan.
(2) If we do not approve your request, we will notify you in writing why we are denying your request for authorization. If you disagree with our decision, you can send us a written request for a hearing, stating why you disagree. (See WAC 296-150P-0100.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0550How long is a licensed professional or firms authorization effective?
Your authorization to approve design plans is effective until your license expires, is revoked, or is suspended.
(1) You must notify us of your license renewal at least 15 days before your license expires, to prevent your name from being removed from our licensed professional and firm list.
(2) You must notify us immediately if your license is revoked or suspended. Your name is then removed from the list of licensed professionals and firms authorized to approve design plans.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0560What information must a manufacturer send to the department when a professional or firm does the design-plan approval?
You must send us the following information in your approved design plans:
(1) A completed departmental design-plan approval request form;
(2) A set of design plan drawings, specifications, engineering analysis, and test results and procedures necessary for a complete code evaluation of the design. When required by chapter 196-23 or 308-12 WAC, design documents prepared by licensed professionals must be sealed;
(3) A cover sheet on the design plan noting which professional approved each portion of the design plan;
(4) A copy of the authorization letter from us;
(5) The design plan fee for design plans approved by professionals or firms. (See WAC 296-150P-3001.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0570What happens after we receive the professional or firm approved design plan and information?
(1) After we receive your approved design plans and information, we will review the information and assign a plan approval number. We will send a copy of the design plan with the plan approval number to the manufacturer.
(2) We may periodically audit design plans approved by a professional engineer, architect, or firm to ensure compliance with design plan requirements. The department's periodic audit should not be construed as certifying that the plans are safe.
(3) If the audit reveals that the design plans approved by the professionals and firms do not comply with this chapter, you will be notified and required to pay our fees for review and approval of the design plans. (See WAC 296-150P-3000.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0580Do you have a list of professionals or firms that are authorized to approve design plans?
Yes. We will maintain a list of the licensed professionals and firms that are authorized to approve design plans for conversion vendor units.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-0590Who approves addendums to design plans approved by a professional or firm?
(1) You must have the professional or firm approve an addendum to a design plan, if they initially approved your design plan.
(2) If the professional or firm who approved your design plan is no longer on the department list, you may have us approve your addendum.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150P-3001Recreational park trailer fees for design plans approved by a professional or firm.
Design plans approved by a professional or firm under this chapter will be charged a fee of $30.00.
OTS-3541.3
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0315Who can approve design plans?
(1) Comprehensive design plans for recreational vehicles can be approved by us or by a licensed professional or firm authorized by us. (See WAC 296-150R-0520 and 296-150R-0530.)
(2) All design plans for quality control manuals must be reviewed and approved by the department.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0520Who can be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) A professional engineer, architect, or firm licensed by the state of Washington according to the Engineers Registration Act, chapter 18.43 RCW and/or the Architects Registration Act, chapter 18.08 RCW; or
(2) A professional engineer, architect, or firm licensed in another state that has licensing or certification requirements that meet or exceed Washington requirements.
(3) A professional cannot approve quality control plans.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0530What information must a professional or firm provide to be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) Name, a copy of your certificate of registration or authority, and address of the professional engineer, architect, or firm; and
(2) A description of the services the professional engineer, architect, or firm will provide in the areas of structural, fire and life safety, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plan review for recreational vehicles; and
(3) A summary of the professional's or firm's expertise and qualifications to review plans in the areas identified by the description of services.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0540How will I know whether I am authorized to approve design plans?
Within 60 days after you submit the information requested in WAC 296-150R-0530, we will send you a letter either approving or denying your authorization request.
(1) If we approve your request, your name is added to the list of licensed professionals and firms authorized to approve design plans.
(a) We will authorize a professional to approve portions of a design plan within his or her area of expertise; and
(b) We will authorize an engineering or architectural firm to approve plans if the firm employs or contracts with professionals within the area of expertise necessary for the design plan.
(2) If we do not approve your request, we will notify you in writing why we are denying your request for authorization. If you disagree with our decision, you can send us a written request for a hearing, stating why you disagree. (See WAC 296-150R-0100.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0550How long is a licensed professional or firms authorization effective?
Your authorization to approve design plans is effective until your license expires, is revoked, or is suspended.
(1) You must notify us of your license renewal at least 15 days before your license expires to prevent your name from being removed from our licensed professional and firm list.
(2) You must notify us immediately if your license is revoked or suspended. Your name is then removed from the list of licensed professionals and firms authorized to approve design plans.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0560What information must a manufacturer send to the department when a professional or firm does the design-plan approval?
You must send us the following information in your approved design plans:
(1) A completed departmental design-plan approval request form;
(2) A set of design plan drawings and specifications necessary for a complete code evaluation of the design;  
(3) A cover sheet on the design plan noting which professional approved each portion of the design plan;
(4) A copy of the authorization letter from us; and
(5) The design plan fee for design plans approved by professionals or firms. (See WAC 296-150R-3001.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0570What happens after we receive the professional or firm approved design plan and information?
(1) After we receive your approved design plans and information, we will review the information and assign a plan approval number. We will send a copy of the design plan with the plan approval number to the manufacturer.
(2) We may periodically audit design plans approved by a professional engineer, architect, or firm to ensure compliance with design plan requirements. The department's periodic audit should not be construed as certifying that the plans are safe.
(3) If the audit reveals that the design plans approved by the professionals and firms do not comply with this chapter, you will be notified and required to pay our fees for review and approval of the design plans. (See WAC 296-150R-3000.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0580Do you have a list of professionals or firms that are authorized to approve design plans?
Yes. We will maintain a list of the licensed professionals and firms that are authorized to approve design plans for conversion vendor units.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-0590Who approves addendums to design plans approved by a professional or firm?
(1) You must have the professional or firm approve an addendum to a design plan, if they initially approved your design plan.
(2) If the professional or firm who approved your design plan is no longer on the department list, you may have us approve your addendum.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150R-3001Recreational vehicle fees for design plans approved by a professional or firm.
Design plans approved by a professional or firm under this chapter will be charged a fee of $15.00.
OTS-3542.3
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-18-069, filed 8/31/99, effective 10/1/99)
WAC 296-150V-0310Who can approve design plans?
((Your design plan must be approved by the department.))(1) Design plans for conversion vendor units can be approved by us or by a licensed professional or firm authorized by us. (See WAC 296-150V-0420 and 296-150V-0430.)
(2) All design plans for medical units must be reviewed and approved by the department.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0420Who can be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) A professional engineer, architect or firm licensed by the state of Washington according to the Engineers Registration Act, chapter 18.43 RCW and/or the Architects Registration Act, chapter 18.08 RCW; or
(2) A professional engineer, architect or firm licensed in another state that has licensing or certification requirements that meet or exceed Washington requirements.
(3) A professional cannot approve medical units.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0430What information must a professional or firm provide to be authorized to approve design plans?
(1) Name, a copy of your certificate of registration or authority, and address of the professional engineer, architect, or firm; and
(2) A description of the services the professional engineer, architect, or firm will provide in the areas of fire and life safety, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plan review for conversion vendor units; and
(3) A summary of the professional's or firm's expertise and qualifications to review plans in the areas identified by the description of services.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0440How will I know whether I am authorized to approve design plans?
Within 60 days after you submit the information requested in WAC 296-150V-0430, we will send you a letter either approving or denying your authorization request.
(1) If we approve your request, your name is added to the list of licensed professionals and firms authorized to approve design plans.
(a) We will authorize a professional to approve portions of a design plan within his or her area of expertise; and
(b) We will authorize an engineering or architectural firm to approve plans if the firm employs or contracts with professionals within the area of expertise necessary for the design plan.
(2) If we do not approve your request, we will notify you in writing why we are denying your request for authorization. If you disagree with our decision, you can send us a written request for a hearing, stating why you disagree. (See WAC 296-150V-0100.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0450How long is a licensed professional or firms authorization effective?
Your authorization to approve design plans is effective until your license expires, is revoked, or is suspended.
(1) You must notify us of your license renewal at least 15 days before your license expires, to prevent your name from being removed from our licensed professional and firm list.
(2) You must notify us immediately if your license is revoked or suspended. Your name is then removed from the list of licensed professionals and firms authorized to approve design plans.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0460What information must a manufacturer send to the department when a professional or firm does the design-plan approval?
You must send us the following information in your approved design plans:
(1) A completed departmental design-plan approval request form;
(2) A set of design plan drawings, specifications, engineering analysis, and test results and procedures necessary for a complete code evaluation of the design. When required by chapter 196-23 or 308-12 WAC, design documents prepared by licensed professionals must be sealed;
(3) A cover sheet on the design plan noting which professional approved each portion of the design plan;
(4) A copy of the authorization letter from us; and
(5) The design plan fee for design plans approved by professionals or firms. (See WAC 296-150V-3001.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0470What happens after we receive the professional or firm approved design plan and information?
(1) After we receive your approved design plans and information, we will review the information and assign a plan approval number. We will send a copy of the design plan with the plan approval number to the manufacturer.
(2) We may periodically audit design plans approved by a professional engineer, architect, or firm to ensure compliance with design plan requirements. The department's periodic audit should not be construed as certifying that the plans are safe.
(3) If the audit reveals that the design plans approved by the professionals and firms do not comply with this chapter, you will be notified and required to pay our fees for review and approval of the design plans. (See WAC 296-150V-3000.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0480Do you have a list of professionals or firms that are authorized to approve design plans?
Yes. We will maintain a list of the licensed professionals and firms that are authorized to approve design plans for conversion vendor units.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-0490Who approves addendums to design plans approved by a professional or firm?
(1) You must have the professional or firm approve an addendum to a design plan, if they initially approved your design plan.
(2) If the professional or firm who approved your design plan is no longer on the department list, you may have us approve your addendum.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-150V-3001Conversion vendor units and medical units—Fees for design plans approved by a professional or firm.
Design plans approved by a professional or firm under this chapter will be charged a fee of $81.10.