Projects

Construction Standards Code Clean-up

***This hearing has been tentatively rescheduled for Monday, May 11, 2020. ***

Note: A hearing regarding the proposed amendments was tentatively scheduled before the Spokane City Council on May 11, 2020. Please note that the City Council hearing date is subject to change and may be continued. City Council agendas, when available, may be viewed on the City Council website.

Background

City of Spokane Development Services Center is the lead on proposed amendments to the SMC. The Proposal specifically amends Spokane Municipal Code (SMC): Chapter 08.02 Fees and Charges, Article III. Building and Construction Permits, Section 08.02.031(B) Building Code Fees and Charges – Valuation; Section 10.29.030 Heating Mechanics – License; Chapter 11.19 Zoning Code, Article VII. Administration and Procedure, Sections 11.19.720 Building Official; Section 17C.110.230 Fences related to enclosures for pools and hot tubs; 17F including: the National Board Inspector Code (pressure vessel code – 17F.030.010), Building (IBC, IRC, international Energy Conservation Code – 17F.040.010), Electrical (17F.050.010), Mechanical (17F.090.010), and Pluming codes (17F.100.010); Section 17F.040.010 to include specific adoption of Appendix Q: Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems, WAC 51-51-60105; 17F.060.040 Elevator Code – Requirements; 17F.060.060 Elevator Code – Dangerous Conveyances; and, 17G.010.200 Application for Worker's License.

Amendments are intended to remove references to outdated construction standards, administration, processes, licenses, and fees and to ensure that as new editions of construction-related standards adopted at the state level appropriately referenced in the City's municipal code among other code clean-up items. Amendments also provided that the City's Building Official review all proposed amendments to 17F – Construction Standards – prior to review and/or approval by other recommending or decision making bodies within the City of Spokane.

Summary of Proposed Amendments

Update Section 08.02.031(B)(1) Building Code, Building Permit Valuation to reflect the current building valuation schedule and frequency of valuation schedule updates (twice annually) published by the International Code Council (ICC).
Remove language from Section 10.29.030 (Heating Mechanics –License) related to work that may be conducted by a holder of an apprentice heating mechanic license and oil burner installer's license.
Add language to 11.19.720, Building Official, requiring review and approval of all proposed amendments to Title 17F – Construction Standards – by the Building Official prior to review by other recommending or decision making bodies within the City of Spokane.
Amend Section 17C.110.230, Fences – Enclosures for Pools and Hot Tubs, to include options for pool and spa barriers found in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
Code clean-up of 17F to reference “current adopted Editions” of construction codes instead of adopted codes of a specified year including the National Board Inspector Code (pressure vessel code – 17F.030.010), Building (IBC, IRC, international Energy Conservation Code – 17F.040.010), Electrical (17F.050.010), Fire (17F.080.010), Mechanical (17F.090.010), and Pluming codes (17F.100.010).
Amend Section 17F.040.010 Adoption of Building Codes and Related Washington State Codes to include specific adoption of Appendix Q: Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems, WAC 51-51-60105
Amend 17F.060.040, Elevator Code to require use of fire rated belts tested to UL 62, UL 1581 FT-1 fire rating or equivalent only, when elevators incorporating noncircular elastomeric coated steel suspension members (belt suspension).
Add language to 17F.060.060 – Dangerous Conveyances – making removal of lock-out devices installed due to unsafe elevator operating conditions a Class I civil infraction with a current fee of $536.00 per day of said infraction.
Amend Section 17G.010.200 Application of Workers' License to include:
- Language encompassing the certification of electrical apprentices by the Department of Labor and Industries pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW.
- Striking experience qualifications for gas heating mechanic I/II and gas inspector I/II license eligibility from the City's ordinance – the board of gas heating mechanic examiners will continue to determine the qualification and fitness of applicants for the purpose of obtaining a license and for license renewal.
- Requirements for a new application and exam for all mechanical license holders for licenses expired more than 90 days.

SEPA Status

The proposed amendments are categorically exempt from SEPA.

Legislative Process

***This hearing has been tentatively rescheduled for Monday, May 11, 2020. ***

A briefing before the City Community Safety and Public Health Committee was held on February 2, 2020. Amendments will proceed through the regular City Council Adoption process which includes opportunities for public comment and testimony. A hearing regarding these amendments has been tentatively been scheduled for May 11, 2020. Please note that the City Council hearing date is subject to change and may be continued. City Council agendas, when available, may be viewed on the City Council website

Should you have questions or concerns or wish to enter comment into the public record prior to the public hearing, please submit your comments regarding these proposed actions to Dermott Murphy at:

Development Services Center
Attn: Dermott Murphy, City of Spokane Building Official
808 West Spokane Falls Boulevard
Spokane, WA 99201-3329
509.625.6142
dgmurphy@spokanecity.org