| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Local Government Committee | |
HB 2767
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Exempting specialty agricultural structures from building code requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Kretz, Grant, VanDeWege, Orcutt, McCoy, Hailey, Pettigrew, Kenney, Loomis, Pearson and Newhouse.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/08
Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
The State Building Code Council (Council) was created by statute in 1974 to provide analysis
and advice to the Legislature and the Governor's Office on state building code issues. The
Council establishes the minimum building, mechanical, fire, plumbing, and energy code
requirements in Washington by reviewing, developing, and adopting the state building code.
The State Building Code Act (Act) sets forth requirements through the provision of building
codes to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings and
structures throughout the state.
The Act consists of regulations adopted by reference from the International Building Code
(IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Mechanical Code (IMC), the
National Fuel Gas Code, the International Fire Code (IFC), and the Uniform Plumbing Code and
Uniform Plumbing Code Standards. In maintaining the Act, the Council must regularly review
updated versions of the codes and other pertinent information and amend the Act as deemed
appropriate by the Council. The Council may also issue opinions relating to the codes at the
request of a local official charged with the duty to enforce the Act.
Summary of Bill:
The State Building Code Act (Act) does not apply to specialty agricultural buildings constructed
on a commercial agricultural operation. Specialty agricultural structures are structures that are
designed and constructed to house farm equipment, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other
horticultural products. "Commercial agricultural operation" is defined as an operation that
generates an average of at least $10,000 gross income per year from the sale of agricultural
products. Human habitation, public use, and employment where agricultural products are
processed, treated, or packaged are not permitted uses of a specialty agricultural building.
Specialty agricultural buildings are exempt from permit requirements under the Act but are
subject to setback requirements established by the local jurisdiction and utility easements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.