The 2012 editions of the Seattle Building, Residential, Existing Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Energy and Plumbing codes are finding their way through the city legislative process. We will post drafts of the legislation on our website in early June.
Cross-Laminated Timber
In April 2012, the City Council Planning Land Use and Sustainability Committee was briefed on a novel proposal for use of a new wood product in building construction. DPD is reviewing this proposal that would allow buildings using this wood product to be several stories taller than is allowed by the current (and past) building code.
Revised Effective Date for 2012 Codes
DPD is revising the schedule for adoption of the 2012 editions of the Seattle building, residential, existing building, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, and plumbing codes. We are going to specify that the codes will become mandatory no earlier than October 13, 2013.
2012 Code Adoption Update
DPD is on schedule for new editions of seven codes to take effect next summer or fall. Public review of the 2012 Seattle building, residential, existing building, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and plumbing codes is almost complete. We expect the ordinances adopting these codes to take effect this summer, followed by a 60-day period during which applicants can use either the 2009 or 2012 codes.
Draft Seattle Residential Code Now Available
The draft Seattle Residential Code is available for public comment. DPD expects the 2012 Seattle Residential Code to take effect next summer or fall along with the other 2012 technical codes. The draft contains only the portions of the code for which amendments are being proposed.
Adding a Dwelling Unit
DPD has seen a recent increase in permit applications from building owners adding a (single) unit to existing multi-family buildings. This can typically be done once the in life of a building without triggering fire sprinklers or added parking (Seattle Building Code (SBC) 3404.1 and Seattle Municipal Code 23.54.020.A, respectively). Usually the project involves remodeling a storage room, utility room, or the manager’s office to create a rentable dwelling unit.
Boarding Houses in Seattle – New Director’s Rule Coming Soon
DPD has seen a rise in permit applications for buildings that contain boarding houses, a relatively new project type. These boarding houses generally consist of a group of small bedrooms with attached private bathrooms, each equipped with sink and refrigerator, all arranged around a common corridor or stair, and a common kitchen.
Draft 2012 Seattle Building Code for Review
The draft 2012 Seattle Building Code is available for public review and comment. It consists of the 2012 International Building Code (IBC) with proposed amendments. DPD is planning for the 2012 Seattle Building Code to take effect in the summer of 2013.
ADA Rules are Changing
Revisions to Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, including ADA Standards for Accessible Design, have been adopted by the federal government. Compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design will be mandatory on March 15, 2012.
Construction Codes Advisory Board Seeking Members
Mayor Mike McGinn is looking for 6 new members for the Construction Codes Advisory Board. Board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council for renewable, three‐year terms. We are recruiting for an architect, general contractor, electrical contractor, commercial building owner or operator, developer or contractor of residential projects, and representative of organized labor.
