SENATE BILL REPORT

2SHB 1978

BYHouse Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Jacobsen, Nelson and Belcher)

Revising provisions for application of the state building code.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Steve Nelsen (786-7464)

                  February 21, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 21, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The State Building Code consists of a number of uniform codes:  the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Mechanical Code, the Uniform Fire Code, and the Uniform Plumbing Code.  These codes apply to all jurisdictions.

Cities and counties may amend the codes in their respective jurisdictions as long as certain minimum standards are met.

In addition to the uniform codes, there are also appendices which cover items not considered general enough to be included in the main code.  Appendix C to the Uniform Plumbing Code contains recommended ratios of toilet facilities for men and women in different types of buildings.  Local jurisdictions are not required to adopt the appendices to the codes.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature finds that the State Building Code has not realistically addressed the demands on women's restrooms, in part because counties and cities have been able to exclude public assembly buildings from the original appendices of the Uniform Plumbing Code.

The portion of Appendix C to the Uniform Plumbing Code that addresses the ratio of women's and men's restrooms in places of public assembly is adopted as part of the State Building Code.

Cities and counties retain authority to amend the code in their jurisdictions, but amendments may not diminish the minimum facilities specified in Appendix C of the Plumbing Code in places of public assembly.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one