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September 4, 2015

State building codes are getting an update

  • Written comments are due by Oct. 23 about the proposal.
  • More space for electric cars is one of the changes being considered by the Washington State Building Code Council as it updates codes for new construction.

    The state building code is updated every three years in response to changes in the International Building Code. The state council generally follows the IBC, but can make tweaks.

    In this round, the council is proposing to adopt the 2015 International Building Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with state amendments known as the Washington State Energy Code.

    Linda Kent, communications manager for the state Department of Enterprise Services, said changes for electric cars would apply to office projects, hotels, motels and apartment complexes with parking lots. The rule would require that 5 percent of parking spaces have charging stations for electric cars. For apartments, the number goes up to 10 percent.

    Kent said another change would affect buildings constructed with concrete masonry units, such as big box stores and gymnasiums. The proposed rule would require a second wall for better insulation and reducing heat loss.

    The council also wants to tweak emergency rules that were enacted July 1 that allow fire departments to issue permits for marijuana processing facilities. The goal is to clarify the rules for inspections.

    Kent said changes to the energy code usually cause a lot of discussion. This time there is a proposal to make energy codes the same for both climate zones in the state. The state changed this year to having two climate zones — Western and Eastern Washington — rather than a climate zone in every county.

    Other changes would promote ductless heat pumps for houses, LED lighting and water-bottle filling stations in schools.

    Building codes ensure that structures are built and maintained to withstand earthquakes and prevent the spread of fire, as well as that they meet requirements for accessibity and energy efficiency.

    The council is part of the Department of Enterprise Services. It adopts statewide building codes that are enforced by the state's 39 counties and 266 cities.

    Two public hearings will be held on the proposed changes:

    • Sept. 11 at Spokane Fire Department Training Center, 1618 N. Rebecca St. in Spokane

    • Oct. 16 at Washington Department of Enterprise Services, 1500 Jefferson St. S.E. in Olympia

    Send written comments by Oct. 23 to: Washington State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 41448, Olympia, WA 98504-1449.

    Code updates must be adopted by Dec. 1 and will take effect July 1, 2016.



    
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