WSR 17-13-056
EXPEDITED RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed June 15, 2017, 9:59 a.m.]
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Clarifying changes to chapter 51-52 WAC, Washington state adoption and amendment of the 2015 International Mechanical Code.
NOTICE
THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Steve Simpson, Chair, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, AND RECEIVED BY August 21, 2017.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Clarifies the intent of the 2015 International Mechanical Code. With the 2015 edition, the previous LC occupancy classification was moved from the Group R category into the Group I-1, Condition 2 category. The intent is that these occupancies still be treated as residential occupancies within the requirements of the mechanical code and the energy code, but it was never specified within the scope of the rules. This rule clarifies and codifies that intent.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Many questions have arisen regarding the requirements for Group I-1, Condition 2 facilities. This rule seeks to make the intent of the code clear and to assure appropriate systems are allowed to be installed in these facilities.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: State building code council, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Krista Braaksma, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, (360) 407-9278; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.
June 9, 2017
Steve K. Simpson
Council Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-01-148, filed 12/21/15, effective 7/1/16)
WAC 51-52-0101 Section 101General.
101.2 Scope. This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code. References in this code to Group R shall include Group I-1, Condition 2 assisted living facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 388-78A WAC and Group I-1, Condition 2 residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 246-337 WAC.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.
 
2. The standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be the 2014 Edition of NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and the 2015 Edition of ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code).