Form revised December 5, 2005

FISCAL NOTE FOR NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS

Department:	Contact Person/Phone:	DOF Analyst/Phone:
DPD	Maureen Traxler/233-3892	Amanda Allen/ 684-8894

Legislation Title:

An ordinance relating to Building and Construction Codes: amending Chapters 1, Administration; Chapter 2, Definitions; Chapter 3, Use and Occupancy Classification; Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy; Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems; Chapter 10, Means of Egress; Chapter 11, Accessibility; Chapter 12, Interior Environment; Chapter 14, Exterior Walls; Chapter 16, Structural Design; Chapter 17, Structural Tests and Special Inspections; Chapter 21, Masonry; Chapter 24, Glazing; Chapter 25, Gypsum Board and Plaster; Chapter 29, Plumbing Systems; Chapter 30, Elevators and Conveying Systems; Chapter 34, Existing Buildings; and Chapter 35, Referenced Standards of the Seattle Building Code.

· Summary of the Legislation:

This bill adopts amendments to the 2003 Seattle Building Code that clarify and correct the existing Code; implements State Building Code Council decisions on local residential amendments; and adopts new State Building Code provisions.

· Background:

This is one of three companion bills that correct and clarify the Seattle Building, Residential, and Mechanical Codes, which were first adopted in 2004.

Many of the provisions of this legislation are generated by actions of the State Building Code Council (SBCC).  According to the State Building Code Act, RCW 19.27.060, jurisdictions must submit all local amendments that affect small residential buildings as defined in the Act.  The Department of Planning and Development submitted many of Seattle’s amendments to the SBCC, and all but nine were approved.  This legislation removes amendments not approved by the SBCC, and adopts new rules enacted by the SBCC.

Other provisions of the legislation clarify and correct the Building Code.  The International Building Code was adopted in Seattle and throughout the rest of Washington for the first time in 2004.  As we have gained experience with the new code, we have found that some sections need to be clarified.  A detailed list of proposed changes is attached.

__X__ This legislation does not have any financial implications.

Attachment A:  Detailed List of Proposed Changes to the 2003 Seattle Building Code

Detailed List of Proposed Changes to the 2003 Seattle Building Code

Section	Subject	Description of amendment
101.2	Scope of Code	Note is added that explains the relationship between the Building Code and the Housing and Building Maintenance Code
106.2	Work exempt from permits	Clarification of the provision exempting reroofing work on one- and two-family buildings from building permit requirements
Chapter 2	Definitions	Definition of “nightclub” is added—the definition is taken from RCW 19.27.510, enacted by the Washington State Legislation in 2005 to require sprinkler systems in existing nightclubs. A definition of “small residential building” is added to describe the scope of State Building Code Council review of residential amendments
Table 307.7(1)	Maximum Allowable Quantities of Hazardous Materials	Two footnotes coordinate the Building and Fire Code provisions for combustible materials allowed in tanks inside buildings.  The provisions will mainly apply to fuel for emergency generators in high-rise buildings, and provide an alternate method of compliance
403.11	Emergency power systems in high-rise buildings	New section coordinates the Building Code with the Fire Code, and adds a new provision allowing less fire protection for an emergency generator that is located in a sprinklered parking garage
406.3	Ceiling height in open parking garages	Corrects an oversight in the existing code.  Seattle has long allowed 6’6” ceiling height in parking garages, including open garages
407.8	Locks on exit doors in nursing homes	Adopts a new State Building Code provision that allows a certain type of electronic lock on doors in homes for persons with cognitive disabilities such as Alzheimer’s disease
903.2	Sprinkler systems in nightclubs	Adopts a new State Building Code requirement based on RCW 19.27.500 that requires sprinkler systems in existing nightclubs
903.3	Sprinklers requirements for balconies and townhouses	903.3.1.2.1 & 903.3.9 replace an existing amendment with IBC language governing sprinklers on balconies and decks 903.3.1.1 specifies conditions in which single-family sprinkler system (NFPA 13D system) may be used in townhouses
905.3.1	Standpipes	Specifies that standpipes are not required in townhouses
907.2.9	Fire alarm systems	Clarifies when fire alarm systems are required in townhouses
Chapter 11	Accessibility	Adopts changes to State Building Code accessibility provisions, most significantly replaces 1998 accessibility standard with 2003 edition; adopts additional provisions from IBC accessibility appendix for greater conformity with Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal regulations
1205, 1208, 1210	Lighting, room sizes, toilet rooms in residences	Attachment A to the Fiscal Note Removes amendments that were disapproved by SBCC.  Amendments had specified natural light and minimum room sizes in dwellings, access to toilet rooms, and equipment required in kitchens
1405	Anchored masonry veneer wall covering	Adopts new State Building Code amendment that revises American Concrete Institute standard
Table 1604.5	Importance Factors	Adopts a change that will appear in the 2006 IBC.  Table classifies buildings by importance for seismic design (more rigorous design provisions apply to buildings with higher importance factor). Amendment more accurately defines the type of assembly building that is given higher importance factor
Table 1607.1	Live Loads	Revises amendment disapproved by SBCC; applies it only to buildings outside the scope of SBCC review
1609	Wind Loads	Adopts Structural Engineers Association of Washington Rapid Solution Methodology as alternate means of designing for wind loads
1615	Earthquake Loads	Allows USGS maps as accepted method for determining earthquake loads
1707	Special Inspection	Eliminates special inspection requirement for smaller residential structures; DPD building inspectors have passed the examination required of special inspectors
2107; 2108	Design of Masonry Structures	Adopts new State Building Code amendments revising provisions for lap splices and for embedded anchor bolts
2406	Safety Glazing	Adopts new State Building Code amendment that prohibits wired glass where safety glass is required
2509	Gypsum Board in Showers	Deletes amendment that increased the spacing of framing members supporting gypsum board in showers
Chapter 29	Plumbing Fixtures	Adopts new State Building Code amendments regarding plumbing fixtures
3003	Elevator Codes Adopted	Adopts most current State Elevator Code
3401	Existing Assembly Occupancies	Specifies when sprinklers are required when the occupant load of assembly occupancies is increased
3403	Sprinklers for Dwelling Unit Additions	Specifies when sprinklers are required when new dwelling units are added to existing buildings
3405	Change of Occupancy	Requires compliance with provisions for mixed occupancies when the use of a building is changed
3406	Accessibility	Adopts Appendix provision for existing buildings, consistent with State Building Code Act
Chapter 35	Referenced Standards	Adopts current version of accessibility standard, and of SEAW Wind Design Handbook

Attachment A to the Fiscal Note