Brief Description: Limiting the charge for permits for specialty agricultural buildings.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Fairley, Rasmussen, Haugen, Jacobsen, Marr, Shin and Roach).

Hearing Date: 2/26/08

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

The State Building Code Council (Council) was created 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 by reviewing, developing, and modifying the code provisions that comprise the state building code (SBC). The SBC describes the powers and duties of fire code officials and building officials and must be enforced by counties and cities. Subject to statutory limitations, local governments may amend the SBC as it applies within their jurisdiction.

Summary of Bill:

The permit charge that may be imposed under the SBC for specialty agricultural buildings constructed on a commercial agricultural operation may not exceed $75. Specialty agricultural structures are those that are designed and constructed to house farm equipment, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products. Human habitation, public use, and employment where agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged are not permitted uses of a specialty agricultural building.

"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.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.