5139 AMH BUYS MURD 178

SB 5139 - H AMD 328

By Representative Buys

NOT ADOPTED 04/15/2015

    On page 2, line 16, after "(4)" strike "((The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any building four or more stories high with a B occupancy as defined by the uniform building code, 1982 edition, and with a city fire insurance rating of 1, 2, or 3 as defined by a recognized fire rating bureau or organization.

(5)))" and insert "(a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) of this subsection (4), the provisions of this chapter ((shall not)) apply to any building four or more stories high with a B occupancy as defined by the uniform building code, 1982 edition, and with a city fire insurance rating of 1, 2, or 3 as defined by a recognized fire rating bureau or organization.

(b) For any building specified in (a) of this subsection (4), the provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031, as amended and adopted by the state building code council, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design, or method of construction shall be approved if the building official finds: (i) That the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the purposes, objectives, and standards of this chapter set forth in RCW 19.27.020; and (ii) that, for the purpose intended, the material, method, or work offered is not less than the equivalent of that prescribed by an applicable code enumerated in RCW 19.27.031, as amended and adopted by the state building code council, in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety. If the alternative material, design, or method of construction is not approved, the building official must respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative was not approved.

    (5)"

    Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EFFECT:   Authorizes the use of alternative materials, designs, and methods of construction (alternative) in certain buildings that are four or more stories high when a building official approves the alternative. Requires a building official to approve the use of alternatives if: (a) a proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with the purposes, objectives, and standards of the State Building Code Act; and (b) for the purpose intended, the alternative is not less than the equivalent prescribed by the State Building Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety. Requires the building official, if a request is denied, to provide in writing the reasons why the alternative was not approved.

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