HB 1734-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that the intent of the adoption of the International Building Code by the legislature is to remain consistent with state laws regulating construction, including electrical, plumbing, and energy codes established in chapters 19.27, 19.27A, and 19.28 RCW. The International Building Code references the International Residential Code for provisions related to the construction of single and multiple-family dwellings. No portion of the International Residential Code shall supersede or take precedent over provisions in chapter 19.28 RCW, regulating the electrical code; nor provisions in RCW 19.27.031(4), regulating the plumbing code; nor provisions in chapter 19.27A RCW, regulating the energy code.

Declares it is in the state's interest and consistent with the state building code act to have in effect provisions regulating the construction of single and multiple-family residences.

Declares an intent that the state building code council adopt the International Residential Code through rule making granted in RCW 19.27.074, consistent with state law regulating construction for electrical, plumbing, and energy codes, and other state and federal laws regulating single and multiple-family construction.

Provides that, in accordance with RCW 19.27.020, the state building code council shall promote fire and life safety in buildings consistent with accepted standards.

Finds that building codes are an integral component of affordable housing. In accordance with this finding, the state building code council shall consider and review building code provisions related to improving affordable housing.

Provides that there shall be in effect in all counties and cities the state building code which shall consist of the following codes which are hereby adopted by reference: (1) The International Building Code;

(2) The International Residential Code;

(3) The International Mechanical Code, except that the standards for liquified petroleum gas installations shall be NFPA 58 (Storage and Handling of Liquified Petroleum Gases) and ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code); and

(4) The International Fire Code.

Requires the council to solicit input from first responders to ensure that fire fighter safety issues are addressed during the code adoption process.