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Sec. 8. RCW 19.27A.025 and 1991 c 122 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The minimum state energy code for new nonresidential buildings shall be the Washington state energy code, 1986 edition, as amended. The state building code council may, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter
34.05 RCW, amend that code's requirements for new nonresidential buildings provided that:
(a) Such amendments increase the energy efficiency of typical newly constructed nonresidential buildings; and
(b) Any new measures, standards, or requirements adopted must be technically feasible, commercially available, and cost-effective to building owners and tenants.
(2) In considering amendments to the state energy code for nonresidential buildings, the state building code council shall establish and consult with a technical advisory committee including representatives of appropriate state agencies, local governments, general contractors, building owners and managers, design professionals, utilities, and other interested and affected parties.
(3) Decisions to amend the Washington state energy code for new nonresidential buildings shall be made prior to December 15th of any year and shall not take effect before the end of the regular legislative session in the next year. Any disputed provisions within an amendment presented to the legislature shall be approved by the legislature before going into effect. A disputed provision is one which was adopted by the state building code council with less than a two-thirds majority vote.
(4) Substantial amendments to the code shall be adopted no more frequently than every ((three)) six years after the adoption and implementation of the 2016 Washington state energy code.
(5) As necessary, the council may enact emergency statewide amendments to the Washington state energy code if an amendment is needed:
(a) To address a critical life and safety need;
(b) To address a specific new or amended state statute;
(c) For consistency with state and federal regulations; or
(d) To correct errors and omissions.
Sec. 9. RCW 19.27A.045 and 1990 c 2 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The state building code council shall maintain the state energy code for residential structures in a status which is consistent with the state's interest as set forth in section 1, chapter 2, Laws of 1990. In maintaining the Washington state energy code for residential structures,
((beginning in 1996)) the council shall review the Washington state energy code every
((three)) six years
after the adoption and implementation of the 2016 Washington state energy code. After January 1, 1996, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter
34.05 RCW, the council may amend any provisions of the Washington state energy code to increase the energy efficiency of newly constructed residential buildings. Decisions to amend the Washington state energy code for residential structures shall be made prior to December 1 of any year and shall not take effect before the end of the regular legislative session in the next year.
(2) As necessary, the council may enact emergency statewide amendments to the Washington state energy code if an amendment is needed:
(a) To address a critical life and safety need;
(b) To address a specific new or amended state statute;
(c) For consistency with state and federal regulations; or
(d) To correct errors and omissions."
EFFECT: (1) Provides that substantial amendments to the state energy code for nonresidential buildings and the state building code may not be adopted more frequently than every six years.
(2) Provides that the state energy code for residential buildings must be reviewed every six years.
(3) Permits the adoption of emergency amendments to address life and safety needs, new or amended state statutes, consistency with state or federal regulations, and errors or omissions.