Mission Statement The North Peninsula Building Association represents builders and associates of the building industry. We advocate constant improvement of building and business practices to provide quality construction in our community.
Vol. 5, Issue 4
www.npba.info
360-452-8160
PO Box 748 • 3430 E. Highway 101, Ste. #1, Port Angeles, WA 98362
April 2012
CODE UPDATES 2012 Code Update Cycle in Full Swing New model codes are published through the International Code Council (ICC) every three years. The State Building Code Council (SBCC), with the assistance of its Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), is in the process of reviewing the 2012 national model codes. The TAGs also will review proposed statewide amendments, as well as any changes in the new editions of the model codes, and report back to the SBCC in June. Public hearings on the proposed code adoption and changes typically are held in September and October in both Eastern and Western Washington. After the public hearings, the SBCC will hold a work session to review testimony and receive clarification on any issue it feels necessary. The Council must make the final decision on adoption by Dec. 1. All state amendments to the codes must receive a majority of eight Council votes to be adopted. The amendments cannot take effect before the end of the regular legislative session next year, typically an effective date of July 1. We are very fortunate to have local representation at the SBCC: Annie O’Rouke of Drafting Solutions was seated on the Residential TAG. Proposed amendments are available for review at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/sbcc/ default.aspx. If you have any comments on the proposals, contact Annie at 417-5615.
Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems One hot topic has resurfaced on the adoption of the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC): a proposal by the Washington Fire Sprinkler Coalition to mandate residential fire sprinkler systems in all new construction. In an effort at early intervention, BIAW submitted a letter to
members of the SBCC and the IRC TAG urging them to leave this issue as is: adoptable by local jurisdictions as warranted and not moved into the body of the code as suggested by the proposal. While there are a significant number of updates, changes and reorganization made by ICC to the 2012 edition of the IRC, there are only nine proposed Washington amendments.
2012 International Energy Conservation Code The Energy Code TAG spent considerable time consolidating the 2009 Washington Energy Code with the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), otherwise known as the “mash” document. While the TAG may have been well-intentioned, it is not the “adoption of the 2012 IECC with as few amendments as possible” BIAW and others had hoped for and recommended. The changes, too numerous to count, haven’t stopped yet as 170-plus additional proposed Washington amendments to the “mash” document were submitted by the March 21 deadline. The proposed amendments have been divided into categories for review: Policy issues will be heard by the SBCC at its meeting on April 13; editorial changes will be reviewed by the Mechanical, Ventilation and Energy (MVE) standing committee; and the technical items will be heard and reviewed by the Energy Code TAG. BIAW staff is in the process of reviewing the 60-plus amendments that apply to the residential portion of the energy code, cross-referencing amendments applying to the same section and evaluating impact on construction. BIAW continues to urge the SBCC to adopt a standard form to measure energy efficiency gained by each of these measures prior to moving forward.
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It's a Wrap! The 2012 Building, Remodeling and Energy Expo took place on March 31 and April 1 at the Sequim High School campus. Thousands of residents from the Olympic Peninsula visited with over 70 exhibitors and attended over 18 demonstrations and workshops. The reviews were very positive and the show was a tremendous success! The NPBA would like to thank all of those who exhibited and volunteered at the show. We also would like to thank our great sponsors for their support; Capstone Sponsor-Clallam PUD and Cornerstone Sponsors-Angeles Millwork & Lumber Company, Built Green Clallam, First Federal, Hartnagel Building Supply, KSQM FM, Sequim Gazette and Strait Flooring. We also thank Bleimeisters' Wood Works for sponsoring the bird house building area. The Expo Committee already has started planning for Expo 2013 which will be the 16th annual event. If you would like to participate, contact FaLeana Wech at faleana@npba.info or 452-8160.
Question: Are ductless range hoods adequate to ventilate a kitchen according to the mechani-
cal code?
Answer: No, the code requires at least a 100 cfm hood fan that is vented to the exterior of the building — not to the attic or other uninhabited room.
Clallam and Jefferson County, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Sequim, Juan de Fuca Chapter of ICC
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