BILL REQ. #:  S-3750.2 

Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to improving enforcement of the state building code; amending RCW 19.27.050 and 19.27.140; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that among the laudable purposes and objectives for adopting a state building code is the promotion of the health, safety, and welfare of homeowners who remodel or add to their homes.
     The legislature further finds that such purposes are not met unless the state building code is effectively enforced through a comprehensive inspection program, which emphasizes inspections of remodels and additions to owner-occupied, single-family homes.

Sec. 2   RCW 19.27.050 and 1985 c 360 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The state building code required by this chapter shall be enforced by the counties and cities. Any county or city not having a building department shall contract with another county, city, or inspection agency approved by the county or city for enforcement of the state building code within its jurisdictional boundaries.
     (2) A county or city violates this section when the jurisdiction either: (a) Fails to inform a homeowner remodeling or adding to the homeowner's residence that a final inspection is required; or (b) fails to ensure that a final inspection is made of the remodel of or addition to an owner-occupied, single-family residence.

Sec. 3   RCW 19.27.140 and 1989 c 246 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided under subsection (2) of this section, a copy of any permit obtained under the state building code for construction or alteration work of a total cost or fair market value in excess of five hundred dollars((,)) shall be transmitted by the issuing authority to the county assessor of the county where the property on which the construction or alteration work is located. The building permit shall contain the county assessor's parcel number.
     (2) No copy of a permit subject to subsection (1) of this section relating to the alteration of an owner-occupied, single-family residence may be transmitted to the relevant county assessor unless a final inspection of the alteration has been performed, or has been caused to be performed by the issuing authority.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act takes effect January 1, 2007.