Government Affairs
Code changes ahead by Ashlee Delaney
Government Affairs Manager
The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) completed its part of the code update cycle Nov. 8. BIAW representation was present every step of the long and arduous process as many contentious and cost-driving issues took the debate stage. We owe a special appreciation to BIAW member Diane Glenn, who represents single and multi-family home builders on the SBCC. With Diane’s leadership and hours of service on the technical advisory groups, we have managed to survive another code cycle without a statewide mandate for residential fire sprinklers. Code changes to increase new home costs The energy code continues to be the largest costdriver and hardest to comply with for home builders. This energy code will undoubtedly impact the cost of new home construction, and yet, the state continues to wonder why housing is so expensive. BIAW was able to score several victories in the energy code adoption cycle; however, given the governor’s mandate for the continuous push for increased energy efficiency and significant pressure by activists, cost-prohibitive requirements were embraced. United opposition scores victories Members should prepare for increased energy credit requirements for single-family homes, including some multi-family. The SBCC removed some of the current energy credit options such as low-flow faucets and fixtures but raised the credit value heat pump water heaters receive. The SBCC’s effort targeting gas appliances, such as fireplaces, received strong opposition from BIAW and fireplace suppliers and producers. Their combined efforts helped to preserve the gas appliances consumers demand. This victory is mainly due to a formidable, engaged, and in-person strategy that helped change the code. 8
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BIAW was also able to reduce the energy code credits required for small houses, 1500 s/f or less, initially suggested at 4.5 credits; instead, it will be three credits. Legislature to review proposed code changes The next step in the code process is the filing of CR103 documents. This is a compilation of the base code and the adopted state amendments. A CR103 is created for each building code and filed with the Code Reviser Office, allowing the Legislature to review the documents during the 2020 legislative session. The Legislature can accept the code as recommended by the SBCC, make changes on their own, or reject the SBCC’s recommendations altogether and adopt the code as-is. These new code updates are scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2020. BIAW is developing a strategy to address the continued increase in the cost of compliance of the energy code and advocate for a more balanced approach in the code adoption process. The cost of housing will only increase as the state requires more stringent mandates. Details about these updates, as well as other changes to the codes, are included in BIAW’s Code Update class. You can register for the class online at BIAW.com/class_schedule. If you have questions about the codes, contact BIAW Government Affairs Manager Ashlee DeLaney at (360) 352-7800, ext. 114 or ashleed@biaw.com.