Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 2508

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.

Background:

The State Building Code.

The State Building Code (SBC) establishes minimum performance standards and requirements for construction and construction materials in the state, consistent with accepted standards of engineering, fire, and life safety. The SBC comprises a number of model codes and standards, developed and published by international and national organizations, which are adopted by reference in the State Building Code Act (Act). Model codes and standards adopted in the Act include the International Building Code, the International Residential Code, and the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards.

The State Building Code Council (Council) is responsible for adopting, amending, and maintaining, as appropriate, the model codes and standards adopted by reference in the Act. Amendments to the model codes and standards adopted by the Council are codified in the Washington Administrative Code. The Council regularly reviews updated editions of each model code and standard every three years.

The Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards.

The Act adopts by reference the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards (UPC), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), with specified exceptions. Provisions of the UPC affecting sewers or fuel gas piping are not adopted in the Act. In addition, water conservation performance standards that are not contained in the UPC but instead are provided in statute and rules adopted by the Council apply to new construction and remodeling projects involving the replacement of plumbing fixtures in certain buildings.

The IAPMO is an international organization that develops and publishes model plumbing and mechanical codes that specify the technical standards of design, materials, workmanship, and maintenance for various systems.

The International Plumbing Code.

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a model code that is developed and published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC). The ICC is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes model codes for building, construction, and design standards. The ICC most recently published the 2015 version of the IPC.

The IPC applies to plumbing and vacuum collection systems in buildings not including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are three or fewer stories high with separate means of egress. Structures to which the IPC does not apply are instead governed by the International Residential Code. The IPC is not currently part of the SBC.

Summary of Bill:

The International Plumbing Code (IPC), published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC), with specified exceptions, is adopted by reference in the Act as an alternative plumbing code of the State Building Code. Specifically exempted from adoption are sections of the IPC concerning:

a right of entry to make inspections in any building or premises to enforce the provisions of the code;
declaring unsafe and requiring the repair of plumbing that constitutes a health hazard, unsanitary condition, or is otherwise dangerous to human life;
appeals from the decision of a code official; and
a plumbing permit fee schedule.

The Council is prohibited from using any funding or resources to review or modify the 2015 International Plumbing Code, published by the ICC.