BILL REQ. #:  S-0638.1 

Read first time 02/17/09.   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring wood framing used in residential construction be tested for maximum allowable moisture content prior to enclosing the framing; and adding a new section to chapter 19.27 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 19.27 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The state building code council must adopt rules requiring that natural or manufactured wood framing members used in residential construction be tested by a special inspector or the local building jurisdiction for maximum allowable moisture content prior to enclosing the framing. The rules adopted under this section must provide for the maximum percentage of moisture allowed, the various locations in a building that must be tested, the standards that need to be applied during testing, and procedures for retesting the structure if the moisture content exceeds the maximum allowable amount at the time of inspection. The rules may include a requirement that the special inspector be tested and certified by the Washington association of building officials certification and registration program and be approved by the local building official.
     (2) After the inspection, the special inspector must provide a certificate of compliance to the local building official showing compliance with the requirements of this section and the rules adopted under this section.