Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 2383
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: Adopting the international wildland urban interface code.
Sponsors: Representatives Simpson and Van De Wege.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/21/10
Staff: Becca Kenna-Schenk (786-7291).
Background:
State Building Code.
The State Building Code (SBC) consists of a set of international and national model codes and standards that regulate the construction and remodeling of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures. The SBC establishes the minimum construction requirements in the state. The State Building Code Council (Council) is responsible for the adoption and maintenance of the model codes that constitute the SBC. The Council is required to regularly review updated versions of the model codes and to adopt or amend the codes as appropriate. Local governments may amend the SBC to provide additional standards.
The SBC includes the International Building, Residential, Mechanical, and Fire Codes (published by the International Code Council), as well as the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards (published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials). The SBC also includes adopted regulations to make buildings more energy efficient according to the State Energy Code and to make buildings more accessible for disabled and elderly people.
International Wildland Urban Interface Code.
The International Code Council (ICC) is a membership association that was established for the purpose of developing a single set of national model construction codes. The ICC has developed the model building codes that are currently used in most states, including Washington. The International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) is published by the ICC. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) refers to areas where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. The term generally includes communities where the risk of wildland fire is high. The IWUIC establishes a minimum standard for home construction and maintenance in natural areas that are rated as a moderate or higher hazard for wildfire. IWUIC contains provisions addressing fire spread, accessibility, and water supply for buildings constructed near wildland areas. The IWUIC is based on data collected from fire incidents, technical reports and mitigation strategies from around the world, and is compatible with the other codes in the International Codes Series.
Forest Fire Prevention and Protection Work Group.
In 2007 the Legislature created the Forest Fire Prevention and Protection Work Group (Work Group) to examine strategies and practices for the prevention and suppression of forest fires in Washington. The Work Group recommended that the IWUIC be proposed for adoption through the Council code adoption process. Subsequently, the Council adopted the IWUIC as an appendix to the International Fire Code. As a result of this adoption, the IWUIC will be available to local governments for voluntary adoption by ordinance on July 1, 2010.
Summary of Bill:
The International Wildland Urban Interface Code, published by the International Code Council, is added to the State Building Code.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/15/10.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.