Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

 ANALYSIS

Local Government & Housing Committee

 

 

SB 5352

 

Brief Description:  Increasing the building code council fee.

 

Sponsors:  Senators Horn and Kline; by request of Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.

 

Brief Summary of Bill

$Increases the base fee on each building permit issued by a county, city or town from $4.50 to $6.00, with the proceeds used to fund the State Building Code Council.

 

 

Hearing Date:  2/25/02

 

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786‑7392).

 

Background:

 

The State Building Code Council adopts and maintains the various codes that constitute the State Building Code.  Among other responsibilities, the council must approve or deny all county or city amendments to the State Building Code to the extent the amendments apply to single or multifamily (as defined) residential buildings.  The council may issue advisory opinions relating to the codes at the request of a local official charged with the duty to enforce the codes.

 

The State Building Code Council is funded by the imposition of a base fee of $4.50 on each building permit issued by a county, city or town, plus an additional surcharge of $2 for each residential unit, but not including the first unit, on each building containing more than one residential unit.  These moneys are deposited into the State Building Code Council account.  This fee has been in effect since 1989.

 

Summary of Bill:

 

The base fee on each building permit issued by a city or county is increased from $4.50 to $6.00 on each building permit issued by a county, city or town.  The proceeds are used to fund the State Building Code Council.

 

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note: Available.

 

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.