Chapter 15.04
UNIFORM CODES
Sections:
15.04.050 Codes and standards designated – Adopted by reference.
15.04.060 Electrical standards and inspection – State responsibility.
15.04.070 Administration and enforcement of chapter provisions.
15.04.080 Uniform codes – Copies on file.
15.04.105 Premises identification.
15.04.110 Violations and penalty.
15.04.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as “Uniform Codes.” (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.020 Application.
This chapter shall be applicable to all development activities including, but not limited to, the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, removal, converting or demolishing, equipping, using, occupying, or maintaining any building or structure in the city, or cause the same to be done, in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.030 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform codes governing the activities set forth in BMC 15.04.020 to protect the general health, safety and welfare. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.040 Authority.
The provisions of this chapter are authorized pursuant to chapter 19.27 RCW, chapter 51-51 WAC, and other applicable laws and regulations. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.050 Codes and standards designated – Adopted by reference.
A. International Building Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, together with all supplements thereto, mandated amendments and subject to modifications set forth by the state of Washington in chapter 51-50 WAC;
B. International Residential Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, together with all supplements thereto, excluding Appendix F and subject to the modifications set forth by the state of Washington in chapter 51-51 WAC;
C. International Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, together with all supplements thereto, and subject to the modifications set forth by the state of Washington in chapter 51-52 WAC;
D. Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, together with all supplements and amendments thereto, and subject to the modifications set forth by the state of Washington in chapters 51-56 and 51-57 WAC;
E. International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, together with standards NFPA 58 and NFPA 54;
F. The Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials;
G. Appendix chapter J, Grading, of the International Building Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council;
H. The Washington State Energy Code, 2018 Edition, and Reference Standard 29 developed by the Washington State Building Code Council, and set forth in chapters 51-11C and 51-11R WAC, as may be further amended;
I. Installation of Factory Built Housing and Commercial Structures, RCW 43.22.460, together with WAC 296-150C-0540, 296-150F-0540 and the installation of manufactured and mobile homes, RCW 43.22.440 and WAC 296-150M-0650;
J. International Existing Building Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council;
K. International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.060 Electrical standards and inspection – State responsibility.
The city relinquishes to the state all responsibilities for electrical construction standards and electrical inspection, heretofore assumed by the city under the provisions of laws of the state, chapter 19.28 RCW. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.070 Administration and enforcement of chapter provisions.
A. The building official as appointed by the mayor shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
B. The building official shall use the edition of the Building Safety Journal/Building Valuation Data Tables as published by the International Code Council that is referenced in the fees Resolution No. 08-2014 or alternative methods such as architect and design engineer’s estimates, contractor bids or other established methods to establish the valuation of all construction as authorized by city council.
C. When submittal documents are required by International Building Code for plan review, a plan review fee shall be paid at the time the permit is issued. Such plan review fee shall be 65 percent of the building permit fee. The plan review fees specified in this section are separate fees from the building permit fee, and are in addition to the building permit fee. When submittal documents are revised so as to require additional plan review or when the project involves deferred submittal items as defined by International Building Code, an additional plan review fee shall be charged. Plan review fees for planning and engineering reviews shall be based on the fee schedule as adopted by resolution of the city council. Permit applicants shall be responsible for the payment of plan review fees regardless of whether a building permit is issued.
D. Payment of Permit Fees. Upon notification by the city that a permit application has been approved, the applicant shall submit payment to the city for all permit fees for which approval has been received prior to permit application expiration. All permit applications shall expire 180 days from the date the application was submitted. The applicant shall promptly advise the city of any changes that would limit or otherwise hinder the city in contacting the applicant.
E. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
F. Where a plan review has been conducted, and no building permit is issued, it shall be the applicant’s responsibility to pick up all submitted plans and documents within three weeks following payment of the plan review fees. Following such three-week period, the plans and documents may be discarded or destroyed by the city.
G. The community development director may authorize a refund of any fee paid pursuant to the provisions of this chapter which was erroneously paid or collected. The community development director may authorize a refund of not more than 80 percent of the building permit fee paid when no work bas been done under a permit issued in accordance with this chapter. Any refund shall be reduced by the actual costs incurred in reviewing the application. The community development director shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon the written application filed by the original permittee. Plan review fees are not refundable. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.080 Uniform codes – Copies on file.
At least one copy of the adopted codes will be kept on file in the office of the building official and is available for public inspection during business hours. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.105 Premises identification.
Section 502, Premises Identification, of the International Building Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Approved numbers or addresses shall be provided for all new buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property, and shall conform to the standards of Burlington Municipal Code Chapter 15.10.
(Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).
15.04.110 Violations and penalty.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to conduct development activities or erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or structure in the city, or cause the same to be done, in violation of provisions contained within or adopted by this chapter or any of the provisions of this chapter.
B. The owner or tenant of any building, structure, premises, or part thereof, or any architect, builder, contractor, agent, or other person who commits, participates in, assists in or maintains such violation may each be found in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 1906 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1855 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018).