DPD continues its work with the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Policy Committee to develop recommendations for a URM seismic retrofit program. The committee has discussed what buildings would be subject to new regulations, financing options, and the timeline for implementation of the program. The committee’s will next develop incentives for retrofit work and enforcement mechanisms for the program. DPD expects the URM retrofit program will be phased in over a period of years.
2012 Seattle Mechanical Code Review Begins
DPD is looking for people interested in helping us review the draft 2012 Seattle Mechanical Code. A committee of the Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) will review the draft in September. DPD expects the 2012 Seattle Mechanical Code to take effect in the summer or fall of 2013, close to the July 1, 2013 effective date of the State codes.
Elevator Code Committee Members Needed
DPD is forming a public review committee to review Chapter 30 (Elevators and Conveying Systems) of the draft 2012 Seattle Building Code. We anticipate that the committee will meet three to four times during October and November for approximately two hours each meeting.
Unreinforced Masonry Policy Committee
DPD is creating a proposal for a mandatory unreinforced masonry (URM) retrofit program that will help reduce the earthquake risk to unreinforced masonry buildings. DPD has, with help from a technical committee, developed a proposed standard for retrofits. Next steps include formation of a policy committee this month to help develop recommendations for a retrofit requirement threshold, incentives and penalties, possible financing options, and a time line for implementation.
