Chapter 15.104 BUILDING CODE

Chapter 15.104
BUILDING CODE

Sections:

15.104.010 Uniform codes—Adopted by reference—Amended.

15.104.011 Fire code—Adopted by reference—Amended.

15.104.010 Uniform codes—Adopted by reference—Amended.

The city of Battle Ground adopts by reference the current editions of the building codes: the International Building Code, the International Residential Code, the International Fire Code, the International Mechanical Code, the Fuel Gas Code, the Uniform Plumbing Code and Code Standards, the International Existing Building Code, the International Property Maintenance Code, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and the International Energy Conservation Code of the state of Washington.

A. The International Building Code (IBC), published by the International Code Council, Inc., as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council.

1. The following appendices are specifically adopted:

a. Appendix E, Supplementary Accessibility Requirements;

b. Appendix H, Signs;

c. Appendix I, Patio Covers;

d. Appendix J, Grading.

2. Exceptions:

a. In case of a conflict between the International Code (ICC/Washington State Code) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) shall govern.

3. Amend the following:

a. All references to the “International Plumbing Code” shall be changed to reference the “Uniform Plumbing Code.”

b. All references to the “International Electrical Code” shall be changed to reference the “Washington State adopted Electrical Code.”

c. Section 101.1: Shall have “The City of Battle Ground” inserted for the jurisdiction name.

d. Section 101.4.3: The last line is not adopted.

e. Section 105.2, #6: Insert the words “decks” and “platforms” to read, “Sidewalks, decks, platforms, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.”

B. The International Residential Code (IRC), published by the International Code Council, Inc., as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council.

1. The following appendices are specifically adopted:

a. Appendix F, Passive Radon Gas Controls.

b. Appendix H, Patio Covers.

c. Appendix J, Existing Buildings and Structures.

2. Exceptions:

3. Amend the following:

a. All references to the “International Plumbing Code” shall be changed to reference the “Uniform Plumbing Code”;

b. All references to the “International Electrical Code” shall be changed to reference the “Washington State adopted Electrical Code”;

c. Section 101.1: Shall have the words “City of Battle Ground” inserted for the jurisdiction name;

d. Section 105.2, #5: Shall be amended to read: “Sidewalks, decks, platforms, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route”;

e. Section 105.2, #10 is not adopted.

4. Exempted Work. Unless land use approval is required under BGMC Titles 16 and 17, a building permit shall not be required for the types of work in each of the separate classes of work listed below. Exemption from such permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of the technical codes or any other laws in the city of Battle Ground. Exemptions:

a. Roof covering for one- and two-family units: A permit is not required for the first or second layer, where there are no structural modifications, repair, or replacement required, including roof sheathing.

b. Replacement of window and door assemblies for one- and two-family units: A permit is not required for window and door assemblies utilizing existing framed openings and not requiring fire resistive rating.

c. Replacement of siding: A building permit is not required for replacing siding where there is no structural modification or repair required to the structural frame, including wall sheathing for one- and two-family units or where there is no requirement for fire resistive construction.

C. The International Mechanical Code (IMC), published by the International Code Council, Inc., as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, and shall include Appendix A; except that the standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58 (Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code).

D. The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), as published by the International Code Council, Inc., as used and referenced by the Washington State Building Code Council in WAC 51-51-007 and 51-52-0101.

E. The International Existing Building Code (IEBC), published by the International Code Council, Inc., as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council.

1. The following appendices are specifically adopted:

a. Appendix A, Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Concrete Buildings and Concrete with Masonry Infill Buildings.

b. Appendix B, Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.

2. Exceptions:

a. In the case of conflict between the International Existing Building Code and the Washington State Energy Code (Chapter 51-11 WAC), the provisions of Chapter 51-11 WAC shall govern.

3. Amend the following:

a. All references to the “International Plumbing Code” shall be changed to reference the “Uniform Plumbing Code”;

b. All references to the “International Electrical Code” shall be changed to reference the “Washington State adopted Electrical Code”;

c. Section 101.1: Shall have the words “City of Battle Ground” inserted for the jurisdiction name.

F. The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), as published by the International Code Council, Inc.

1. Exceptions:

a. In the case of conflict between the International Property Maintenance Code and the Washington State Energy Code (Chapter 51-11 WAC), the provisions of Chapter 51-11 WAC shall govern.

b. In the case of conflict between the International Property Maintenance Code and the city of Battle Ground Municipal Code, the provisions of the city of Battle Ground Municipal Code shall govern.

2. Amend the following:

a. All references to the “International Plumbing Code” shall be changed to reference the “Uniform Plumbing Code”;

b. All references to the “International Electrical Code” shall be changed to reference the “Washington State adopted Electrical Code”;

c. Section 101.1: Shall have the words “City of Battle Ground” inserted for the jurisdiction name;

d. Section 102.3: Delete last line to remove any conflict with the Battle Ground Municipal Code;

e. Section 302.4:

All immediate exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches (254 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.

f. Section 302.8: Motor Vehicles. Not adopted;

g. Section 304.14: Insect Screens. Not adopted.

G. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including Appendix A, Appendix E, and Appendix I, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council.

1. Exceptions:

a. Chapters 12 and 15 of this code are not adopted.

b. Those requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code relating to venting and combustion air of fuel fired appliances as found in Chapter 5 and those portions of the code addressing building sewers are not adopted.

c. All references to the “International Electrical Code” shall be changed to reference the “Washington State adopted Electrical Code.”

H. The International Energy Conservation Code of the State of Washington, Chapter 51-11 WAC.

I. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council. (Ord. 24-19 § 1, 2024; Ord. 22-19 § 1, 2022; Ord. 21-09 § 1, 2021; Ord. 18-08 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 16-14 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 13-05 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 12-19 § 6, 2012;

Ord. 10-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 04-009 § 1 (part), 2004: Ord. 03-012 § 1 (part), 2003: Ord. 99-005 § 1, 1999; Ord. 95-769 § 3 (part), 1995)

15.104.011 Fire code—Adopted by reference—Amended.

The city of Battle Ground adopts the current International Fire Code (IFC), published by the International Code Council, Inc., including those standards of the National Fire Protection Association specifically referenced in the International Fire Code, with the following exceptions:

A. Notwithstanding any wording in this code, participants in religious ceremonies shall not be precluded from carrying handheld candles.

B. The following appendices are specifically adopted:

1. Appendix B, Fire Flow for Buildings.

2. Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads.

3. Appendix F, Hazard Ranking.

The International Fire Code shall herein be referred to as the “fire code.” (Ord. 21-09 § 1, 2021; Ord. 18-08 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 16-14 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 15-04 § 16, 2015: Ord. 13-05 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 10-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 04-009 § 1 (part), 2004: Ord. 03-012 § 1 (part), 2003: Ord. 00-025 §§ 1, 2, 2000: Ord. 95-769 § 3 (part), 1995)

15.104.040 Plumbing.

All dwellings and those portions of other structures used for human habitation or for the preparation or serving of food shall be equipped with plumbing for the delivery of a suitable supply of potable water and proper disposal of wastes in accordance with the regulations of the Southwest Washington Health District. (Ord. 18-08 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 10-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 04-009 § 1 (part), 2004: Ord. 95-769 § 3 (part), 1995)

15.104.050 Certificates of occupancy.

A. No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification or use of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy in accordance with this section, BGMC 17.101.070, the International Building Code, and the International Residential Code. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the city of Battle Ground. Occupancy without a certificate of occupancy shall subject the permit holder to additional enforcement under the BGMC. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued unless the owner of the building has complied in all ways with the provisions of this code, including BGMC Titles 12, 13, 16, 17 and 18.

B. Temporary Occupancy. If the building official finds that no substantial hazard will result from the occupancy of any building or portion thereof, prior to the entire project being completed, and in agreement with other applicable city departments and outside agencies, the building official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy. Temporary occupancy will be granted only after all accessibility, fire, and life safety (means of egress, fire rated assemblies, emergency exit illumination, etc.) requirements for the building have been completed. The permit applicant shall make a written request for a temporary certificate of occupancy to the building official and pay all applicable fees. The written request shall include the following:

1. The building permit number.

2. The address of the building.

3. The applicant’s contact information.

4. A description of the area or building being requested to be occupied if other than the entire building or project.

5. Documentation showing installed fire sprinkler or fire alarm systems have been approved and are operational, as applicable.

6. Documentation and approval for temporary occupancy from other city departments or outside agencies listing all outstanding items and dates of completion for those items.

Temporary occupancy shall expire sixty calendar days from the date of issuance. Prior to the expiration date, the applicant shall request a reinspection for occupancy from all applicable city departments and outside agencies. If all outstanding items have not been completed at the time of reinspection, the temporary occupancy shall be revoked, or the applicant may request a one-time sixty-calendar-day extension, subject to additional fees. The extension may be granted at the discretion of the building official, and only after the information and fees outlined in this section have been provided and paid.

Any person who violates or fails to comply with these requirements may be charged with criminal or civil offenses and could be subject to fines accordance with BGMC Title 20. (Ord. 23-09 § 1, 2023; Ord. 21-33 § 1, 2021; Ord. 21-09 § 1, 2021; Ord. 18-08 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 16-14 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 10-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 04-009 § 1 (part), 2004: Ord. 95-769 § 3 (part), 1995)

15.104.060 Miscellaneous.

A. Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, an investigation shall be made, and investigation fees shall be collected prior to a permit being issued. The investigation fee may be equal to the amount of the building permit fee, including plan review. Investigation fees shall be assessed at the discretion of the building official. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this title nor from any penalty prescribed by law.

B. Re-inspection. A re-inspection fee (minimum of one hour charged at the inspection rate) may be assessed for each inspection or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete, when corrections called have not been completed, or when access has not been provided for inspection. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or re-inspection. Re-inspection fees shall be assessed at the discretion of the building inspector. No additional inspections shall be done until such time as the re-inspection fees have been paid. (Ord. 18-08 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 16-14 § 1 (part), 2016)