Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17F Construction Standards

Chapter 17F.070 Existing Building and Conservation Code

Section 17F.070.010 In General

1. Generally, this title does not apply retroactively so as to require owners of buildings to replace, alter, or retrofit portions of buildings or systems within buildings to comply fully with the current code standards. As stated in the International Building Code, the Washington State Amendments, and the International Existing Building Code, only new work of addition, alteration, repair, and new installations need comply with the current codes so long as:

   1. the work complied with the codes in effect at the time;

   2. the building, equipment, and devices have been maintained in a safe and sanitary condition;

   3. there is no change in use, occupancy, or load as would violate the current codes; and

   4. the building or premises or part thereof has not become dangerous.

2. Conversely, every owner and occupant of premises is under a continuous obligation to prevent the property from becoming a nuisance and to maintain property in a reasonably safe condition.

3. It is the purpose of this chapter, therefore, to:

   1. specify the minimum maintenance and rehabilitation standards for all buildings and properties necessary to prevent blight and such environmental degradation as would jeopardize the health and safety of occupants and the community, as authorized by chapter 35.80 RCW and the general police power of the City; and

   2. adopt specific retroactive requirements necessary to provide reasonable safety to the occupants of buildings, which present special hazards; namely, apartment and hotel buildings over two stories in height.

4. It is further the policy of the City to put vacant buildings to use, especially residences, by encouraging the rehabilitation of usable structures and to demolish those that are beyond repair so that new development can occur.

Date Passed: Monday, May 23, 2016

Effective Date: Thursday, June 30, 2016

ORD C35389 Section 10