Brief Description: Modifying certain state building codes that are adopted by reference.

Sponsors: Representative Cooper.

Hearing Date: 2/19/03

Staff: Amy Wood (786-7127).

Background:

The state building code consists of a series of national model codes and standards that regulate the construction and reconstruction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures. The current state building code consists of the Uniform Building Code and the Uniform Building Code Standards; the Uniform Mechanical Code; the Uniform Fire Code and the Uniform Fire Code Standards; and the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code Standards.

The Uniform Building Code and the Uniform Mechanical Code were published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO); the Uniform Fire Code was published by the International Fire Code Institute; and the Uniform Plumbing Code and Plumbing Code Standards was published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is responsible for the adoption and maintenance of the uniform model codes that comprise the state building code. The SBCC is required to regularly review updated versions of the uniform model codes and amend the uniform model codes as appropriate. All decisions to adopt or amend the uniform model codes must be made prior to December 1 of any year and do not take effect before the end of the regular legislative session the next year.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit membership organization founded in 1896. The NFPA has 75,000 members representing nearly 100 nations.

The NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code was developed through an open, consensus-based process that is accredited by American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The NFPA 1, uniform fire code includes the requirements to establish a reasonable level of fire safety and property protection in new and existing buildings.

The uniform mechanical code was developed using an ANSI-accredited consensus code-making process, and covers the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Building Code is revised to replace specific codes and standards published by the ICBO with codes and standards published by the NFPA and IAPMO.

      •    The Uniform Building Code and Uniform Building Code Standards are replaced by the NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code published by NFPA;

      •    The Uniform Mechanical Code is replaced by the Uniform Mechanical Code published by IAPMO; and

      •    The Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Fire Code Standards are replaced by the NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code published by IAPMO.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on Requested on January 21, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.