SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5905

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz, Bender, Amondson, Smitherman, Owen and Anderson)

Modifying building code council authority.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5905 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Nelson, Owen, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Ahern (786-7447)

                  April 14, 1989

House Committe on Housing

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The State Building Code Council exercises rulemaking authority to adopt and revise the State Building Code.  The State Building Code includes uniform codes setting building, mechanical, fire protection and plumbing standards, the rules for barrier-free design, and the State Energy Code.

SUMMARY:

The definition of "multifamily residential" is broadened.  Future and existing ordinances adopted after December 31, 1979 which effectively amend the uniform codes are required to be approved by the State Building Code Council.  Cities and counties may adopt ordinances which allow construction of owner-built residences in rural areas within their boundaries.  Requirements are listed for an owner-built residence ordinance.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 17, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Tom Fieldstead, Kirkland Fire/Building, King County Fire Chiefs (con); Otto Jensen, Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs (con); Blair Patrick, Washington Association of Building Officials (con); Gary Lowe, Association of Counties (con); Mark Tripplet, Builders (pro); David Williams, Association of Cities (con)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The House adopted a striking amendment.

By November 1, 1989 the State Building Code Council is required to define, study and report on stand-alone ordinances adopted by counties and cities that add or alter construction requirements for buildings.  As part of the study, local governments are required to submit fire suppression ordinances to the State Building Code Council.

Within one year of the effective date of the bill, the State Building Code Council is required to adopt a process for the review of proposed statewide amendments and proposed or enacted local amendments to the State Building Code.

The ability to set snow load and wind load requirements related to building codes is reserved to local jurisdictions.