| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Local Government Committee | |
HB 1442
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Creating a model plan for private residential fire sprinkler water charges.
Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Curtis, Williams and Wallace.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/30/07
Staff: Jessica Nowakowski (786-7291).
Background:
State Building Code Council
The State Building Code Advisory Council (Council) was created by statute in 1974 to provide
analysis and advice to the Legislature and the Governor's Office on state building code issues.
The Council establishes the minimum building, mechanical, fire, plumbing, and energy code
requirements in Washington by reviewing, developing, and adopting the state building code.
The State Building Code Act (Act) sets forth requirements through the provision of building
codes to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings and
structures throughout the state
The Act consists of regulations adopted by reference from the International Building Code
(IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Mechanical Code (IMC), the
National Fuel Gas Code, the International Fire Code (IFC), and the Uniform Plumbing Code and
Uniform Plumbing Code Standards. In maintaining the Act, the Council must regularly review
updated versions of the codes and other pertinent information and amend the Act as deemed
appropriate by the Council. The Council may also issue opinions relating to the codes at the
request of a local official charged with the duty to enforce the Act.
Private Residential Fire Sprinkler Charges
Fire sprinklers are required in certain sections of the IBC, IRC, IFC, and by the National Fire
Protection Agency (NFPA). Sprinkler requirements of the IBC are typically applied to larger
residential occupancies such as hotels, apartments, dormitories or condominiums. Single family
dwellings (as defined by the IRC) in Washington are not required to install sprinklers for fire
protection, unless local municipalities have adopted additional requirements of the IRC into their
local building code requirements.
Water purveyors throughout the state may work with the State Board of Health to establish
"standby fees" or a fee structures based on the required amount of water necessary to supply
residential sprinklers with adequate water to fight a fire. Municipalities and water purveyors
may determine their own standby fees or free structures for costs incurred in providing the
necessary water levels.
Summary of Bill:
The State Building Code Council (Council) is required to develop a model pricing plan for
private residential fire sprinkler water charges by December 1, 2007. The Council must survey
other states during the development process of the model pricing plan and provide the supporting
data to local jurisdictions upon request.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.