Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
ESB 5495
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: Expanding the membership of the state building code council.
Sponsors: Senators Holmquist Newbry, Fain, Hobbs, Dammeier and McAuliffe.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/15/13
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
The State Building Code (Code) provides a set of minimum statewide standards and requirements related to building construction. The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is responsible for adopting, reviewing, and amending the list of international and uniform model codes, including building, residential, fire, and plumbing codes that comprise the Code.
SBCC Composition.
The SBCC consists of 15 volunteer members appointed by the Governor. At least six members must reside east of the Cascade Mountains. The SBCC must include the following government officials:
two county-elected legislative body members or executives;
two city-elected legislative body members or mayors;
a local government building code enforcement official; and
a local government fire service official.
In addition, the SBCC must include one member each to represent the following interests:
general construction, specializing in commercial and industrial building construction;
general construction, specializing in multi-family building construction;
the architectural design profession;
the structural engineering profession;
the mechanical engineering profession;
the construction building trades;
manufacturers, installers, or suppliers of building materials and components;
the community of persons with disabilities; and
the general public.
The SBCC also must include five ex officio nonvoting members, including two members of the House of Representatives, two members of the Senate, and one employee of the Electrical Division of the Department of Labor and Industries.
SBCC Qualifications.
Members serve three-year terms on the SBCC so long as the member remains qualified for appointment. To remain qualified, any member appointed to represent a specific private sector industry must maintain sufficiently similar employment or circumstances throughout their term of office. A member must be removed from the SBCC if he or she enters into new employment outside of the industry he or she was appointed to represent.
Summary of Bill:
The composition of the State Building Code Council (SBCC) is expanded from 15 to 17 members, and must include one member each to represent:
owners and managers of rental properties with one to four units; and
owners and managers of rental properties with five or more units.
At least seven members of the SBCC must reside east of the Cascade Mountains.
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.