Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/685944
BY DIANE GLENN CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS T his includes the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code and International Fire Code. The Washington Energy Code and Uniform Plumbing Code will also be in force. Washington adopted the Swimming Pools and Spa Code, and the Fire Code has a new chapter developed for the code regulation of the cannabis industry. The Technical Advisory Groups (TAG) reviewed all the changes in the model codes and reviewed existing and new proposals to the Washington state amendments in order to make recommendations to the council for adoption. The Building Code Council held their fi nal meeting Here We Go Again… More Code Changes Mark your calendars: July 1, 2016 is the date the 2015 International Codes go into eff ect for Washington state. in March and it is anticipated that the legislature will adopt the codes as presented. NOW IS THE TIME TO GET EDUCATED ON THE CHANGES This is always an interesting process because of the amount of changes and because all of the jurisdictional inspectors must learn the new codes right along with the builders. The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) has put together classes across the state and the Master Builders Association (MBA) will be hosting several again this year. Check out the class locations in your area at mbaks.com/events. The following items will make the biggest impact on builders in terms of design changes, cost of building, or use of new products or processes. 7/1 WASHINGTON ENERGY CODE CHANGES Several years ago the mandate from the Governor's offi ce set the goal of 70% energy effi ciency over the 2006 energy code by 2030. This is a lofty goal which has required aggressive steps during each subsequent code cycle. The Washington Energy Code covers all one- and two-dwelling unit construction and now includes R-2, R-3 and R-4 in the residential sections. Several inspections are being added to current required inspections. The compliance paths have changed to either prescriptive or performance- based options. The prescriptive includes the UA trade-off , and the performance requires an energy analysis; both require the additional credits under section R406. The Building Code Council held their fi nal meeting in March and it is anticipated that the legislature will adopt the codes as presented." 42 master builder 06.16 membership value