HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5683
As Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government & Housing
Title: An act relating to membership on the state building code council.
Brief Description: Adding an ex officio member to the building code council.
Sponsors: Senators Horn and Haugen; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government & Housing: 2/12/02, 2/28/02 [DPA].
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Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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$Adds both the State Director of Fire Protection, within the Washington State Patrol, and a local government or fire protection district fire fighter as ex-officio, nonvoting members to the State Building Code Council.
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Dunshee, Chair; Edwards, Vice Chair; Berkey, Hatfield, Kirby and Sullivan.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Mulliken, Ranking Minority Member; Crouse, DeBolt, Dunn and Mielke.
Staff: Kenny Pittman (786‑7392).
Background:
The State Building Code Council is responsible for the adoption and maintenance of the uniform codes and standards that comprise the State Building Code. The State Building Code is a comprehensive set of technical performance standards that guides the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or repair of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures throughout the state. The State Building Code Council's duties include reviewing all amendments proposed by cities and counties and either approving or adopting amendments that apply to single or multifamily (four or fewer dwelling units) residential buildings.
The State Building Code Council consists of 15 members, two of whom must be county‑elected legislative members or elected executives and two of whom must be city‑elected legislative body members or mayors. One member must be a local government building code enforcement official and one of the members must be a fire service official. State Building Code Council membership also includes individuals that represent specific specialities within the construction industry. The State Building Code Council include five ex‑officio nonvoting members that consist of two members of the House of Representatives, one from each caucus, two members of the Senate, one from each caucus, and an employee of the Electrical Division of the Department of Labor and Industries.
Summary of Amended Bill:
The State Director of Fire Protection within the Washington State Patrol and a local government or fire protection district fire fighter are both added to the State Building Council as nonvoting, ex‑officio members.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amendment adds a local government or fire protection district fire fighter as an ex‑officio, nonvoting member to the state building code council.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not Requested.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: Fire safety issues are important considerations in the development and adoption of building codes. The fire protection community will provide unique knowledge of fire safety concerns and ways to address them. This addition is for a non‑voting, ex‑officio member, it will not upset the delicate membership balance of the state building code council.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Senator Jim Horn, prime sponsor; and David Lynam, Washington Fire Marshals.