FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5120

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.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

House Committee on Local Government & Housing

House Committee on General Government Appropriations

Background: The State Building Code 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 emergency code requirements in Washington. 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, the International Residential Code, the International Mechanical Code, the National Fuel Gas Code, the International Fire Code, 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.

Summary: The Legislature finds that permit and inspection fees for new agricultural structures should not exceed the direct and indirect costs associated with reviewing permit applications, conducting inspections, and preparing specific environmental documents.

Agricultural structures are structures that are designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, and other horticultural products. Agricultural structures may not be open to the public, used as a place of human habitation, or as a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged.

The State Auditor must conduct a performance audit of the reasonableness of building and inspection fees in eight counties. The Auditor must choose four counties to the west, and four counties to the east of the Cascade Mountains. The State Auditor must establish and consult with a county government advisory committee, consisting of members of local governments and other interested parties as determined by the State Auditor.

The State Auditor must report to the appropriate legislative committees by December 31, 2009.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	44
House	96	(House amended)
Senate	48	(Senate concurred)