Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 2249
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: Concerning the two climate zones within the building codes.
Sponsors: Representatives Short, Buys, Kretz, Overstreet and Condotta.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/14
Staff: Michaela Murdock (786-7289).
Background:
The State Building Code Act (SBCA) provides, among other things, minimum performance standards and requirements for construction and construction materials, consistent with accepted standards of engineering, fire, and life safety. The State Building Code Council (Council) is responsible for the adoption, maintenance, and amendment of codes enumerated in the SBCA. The Department of Enterprise Services provides administrative and clerical assistance to the Council.
The SBCA, with some exceptions and limitations, adopts by reference five model codes, which make up the State Building Code. Four of the five model codes adopted by reference are published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC). The ICC is an association that develops model codes and standards used in the design, building, and compliance process for structures.
The Washington State Energy Code.
The Washington State Energy Code (Energy Code) is comprised of rules adopted by the Council and is part of the State Building Code. The Energy Code is designed to construct increasingly energy efficient homes and buildings that help achieve a broader goal of building zero fossil-fuel greenhouse gas emission homes and buildings, while allowing flexibility in building design, construction, and heating equipment efficiencies.
The Energy Code must take into account regional climatic conditions, and relatedly, establishes two climate zones. Climate Zone 1 includes all counties not in Climate Zone 2. Climate Zone 2 includes: Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties. Climate zones are used to determine whether certain requirements in the Energy Code apply in a particular location.
Summary of Bill:
The SBCA is amended to provide that the state's climate zones for building purposes are designated in statute and may not be changed through the adoption of codes published by the ICC.
Climate Zone 2 of the Energy Code is amended to include Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Skamania, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties.
Other changes are made to the statutes being amended to correct outdated terms or references.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.