WSR 15-01-191

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 23, 2014, 6:18 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend suggested design and construction standards of sidewalk and curb ramps for the physically handicapped person without uniquely endangering the blind.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 35.68.076 Curb ramps for persons with disabilities—Model standards.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rules are needed to update the current rules in order to align with current State Building Code.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: There are no other federal and state agencies that regulate this subject.

Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed rules with affected stakeholders and consult with handicapped persons, blind persons, counties, cities, and the state building code council in adopting the proposed standards. Anyone interested will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing. The public is encouraged to participate, as described below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jack Zeigler, Policy and Rules Manager, phone (360) 407-9209, e-mail jack.zeigler@des.wa.gov, written comments online https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DESRulemaking.

Information will be posted on the agency web site (http://www.des.wa.gov/about/LawsRules/Pages/RuleMaking.aspx) and interested parties can participate in the development of the proposed rule before publication. You can identify yourself as an interested party by sending an e-mail to rules@des.wa.gov with your contact information and typing "Interested party – sidewalk and curb ramp standards rulemaking" in the subject line.

December 23, 2014

Jack Zeigler

Policy and Rules Manager