We updated two Tips and published four Director’s Rules. The Director’s Rules include draft rules on tree protection and SEPA requirement exemptions.
Seattle Code Implementation Delay
On May 24, 2023, the State Building Code Council (SBCC) held a special meeting to discuss the 9th Circuit that found the City of Berkley’s Energy Code violated federal preemption over state rules and a new lawsuit against the State Codes for a similar violation. In the new lawsuit, several organizations are seeking to prevent enforcement of the Washington State Energy Code’s ban on natural gas appliances that are regulated under the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
Fixing the Bricks: Upcoming Presentations of Proposed Minimum Seismic Standards for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
After several years of collaborating with seismologists, geologists, and geotechnical and structural engineers, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is sharing its draft Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Technical Standard. This document is the first step in establishing minimum seismic standards for the earthquake retrofit of Seattle’s 1,100 vintage brick buildings which are prone to collapse in an earthquake due to lack of structural reinforcements.
In 2021, an effort spearheaded by the Alliance for Safety, Affordability, and Preservation (ASAP!) and Councilmember Herbold resulted in the passing of Joint Resolution 32033. That resolution declared the intent of City Council and the Mayor to establish a mandatory retrofit program and directed SDCI to develop a retrofit standard. While a mandatory ordinance is still a few years away, this Technical Standard will serve as a voluntary option for URM owners wanting to retrofit their building. This Technical Standard will be used to develop a future mandatory retrofit ordinance.
April Publication Updates
SDCI has updated three Tips, published draft Director’s Rules about relocation assistance payments, and finalized a director’s rule about frequent transit service areas.
Seattle Code Updates
SDCI and Washington state update their adopted construction codes every three years. The current updates creating the 2021 series of codes for SDCI and Washington state where slated to be adopted and implemented by July 1, 2023. However, SDCI’s proposed updates will be delayed.
The 2021 Seattle Construction Codes effective date of July 1, 2023 is delayed to no sooner than Monday, October 2, 2023 to accommodate a City of Seattle legislative review process which is longer than anticipated this code cycle.
Building Safety Presentations: Earthquake Readiness and Building and Electrical Inspections
Join SDCI on May 20 for two virtual presentations aimed to help you make your home a little safer.
Mayor Bruce Harrell has proclaimed May 2023 to be Building Safety Month in support of a national celebration of building safety sponsored by the International Code Council. As part of Building Safety Month, and in collaboration with the One Seattle Day of Service, SDCI is hosting two online presentations to help you be more prepared for the unexpected.
Updates to Seattle Tree Service Provider Regulations
In April, 2022 the City of Seattle passed regulations to help protect our urban canopy. Those regulations require tree service providers to register with the City of Seattle before conducting commercial tree work, consultations on private property and posting a public notice on-site for any tree work beyond minimal routine maintenance. In February 2023, the City passed additional legislation to modify and clarify those regulations. See the SDCI tree code webpage for the detailed registration and notice requirements.
Reminder: Seattle Home Fair Recordings Now Available
Thank you to everybody who attended our Seattle Home Fair sessions in January and February. We were happy that so many of you were able to join us. If you missed the Seattle Home Fairs, or want to watch a different session, the recordings, presentations, and resources are now available on our Seattle Home Fairs webpage.
New Smoke Control Acceptance Test Form
SDCI is excited to announce the upcoming release of the new Smoke Control Acceptance test form. This form will be a required item for final on all projects with Smoke Control systems that don’t have a requirement for a Special Inspector for Smoke Control assigned to them.
March Publication Updates
March Publication Updates
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