Chapter 15.04
BUILDING CODES

Sections:

15.04.010    Short title.

15.04.020    Purpose.

15.04.030    Adoption of the Washington State Building Codes.

15.04.035    Adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code.

15.04.040    Fees.

15.04.050    Permits.

15.04.060    Relocated and demolished buildings and structures – Permits.

15.04.070    Professional design.

15.04.080    Commercial energy code.

15.04.090    Penalties for violations.

15.04.100    Severability clause.

15.04.010 Short title.

This chapter shall constitute the “building codes” of the city of Colville and may be so cited. (Ord. 1682 NS § 1, 2022).

15.04.020 Purpose.

Pursuant to the Washington State Building Code, Chapter 19.27 RCW, and as set forth in Chapter 1 of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, and the Uniform Plumbing Code, it is the purpose of this chapter to adopt building construction standards and regulations, and to set forth such amended procedures as may be required for the administration thereof. (Ord. 1682 NS § 2, 2022).

15.04.030 Adoption of the Washington State Building Codes.

Except as revised and/or amended herein, the following are adopted as the building codes of the city of Colville:

A. The most recently adopted edition of the International Building Code, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, including Appendix E, Supplementary Accessibility Requirements, together with ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009, and the most recently adopted edition of the International Existing Building Code as published by the International Code Council, Inc.

B. The most recently adopted edition of the International Residential Code, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, including Appendix F, Radon Control Methods, and Appendix G, Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, as published by the International Code Council, Inc., except that Chapters 11 and 25 through 43 of this code are not adopted.

C. The most recently adopted edition of the International Fire Code, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, as published by the International Code Council, Inc.

D. The most recently adopted edition of the International Energy Conservation Code, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, as set forth in Chapters 51-11C and 51-11R WAC.

E. The most recently adopted edition of the International Mechanical Code, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, as published by the International Code Council, Inc. (includes adoption of the International Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54 and NFPA 58).

F. The most recently adopted edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, including Appendices A, B and I, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; provided, that Chapters 12 and 14 of this code are not adopted; provided further, that those requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code relating to venting and combustion air of fuel fire appliances as found in Chapter 5 and those portions of the code addressing building sewers are not adopted.

G. The installation requirements for mobile/manufactured homes, factory built homes, commercial structures, commercial coaches, recreational vehicles, and park trailers, as set forth in Chapters 296-150C, 296-150F, 296-150M, 296-150P, and 296-150R WAC. (Ord. 1682 NS § 3, 2022).

15.04.035 Adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code.

The International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted, except for Sections 303 Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs; 304.14 Insect Screens; and 304.17 Guard for Basement Windows. (Ord. 1591 NS § 1, 2017).

15.04.040 Fees.

The city council shall establish a schedule of fees by resolution for permits and other fees associated with this code. (Ord. 1682 NS § 4, 2022).

15.04.050 Permits.

Section 105.2, Chapter 1 of the International Building Code is hereby amended as follows:

Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.

2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.

5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.

6. Platforms, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.

10. Shade cloth structure constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.

12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.

13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.

14. Minor construction and alteration activities to Group M, Division 1 Occupancies, as determined by the Building Official, which the total valuation, as determined in Section 304(b) or as documented by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Building Official, does not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) in any twelve-month period: Provided, that the construction and/or alteration activity does not affect any structural components, or reduce existing egress, light, air, and ventilation conditions. This exemption does not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical activities. The permit exemption shall not otherwise exempt the construction or alteration from the substantive standards of the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031, as amended and maintained by the State Building Code Council under RCW 19.27.070.

Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Section 105.2, Chapter 1 of the International Residential Code is hereby amended as follows:

Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.

2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.

3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.

4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

5. Platforms, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.

6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.

8. Swings and other playground equipment.

9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

10. Minor construction and alteration activities to Group R, Division 3 Occupancies, as determined by the Building Official, which the total valuation, as determined in Section 304(b) or as documented by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Building Official, does not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) in any twelve-month period: Provided, that the construction and/or alteration activity does not affect any structural components, or reduce existing egress, light, air, and ventilation conditions. This exemption does not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical activities. The permit exemption shall not otherwise exempt the construction or alteration from the substantive standards of the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031, as amended and maintained by the State Building Code Council under RCW 19.27.070.

Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

(Ord. 1682 NS § 5, 2022).

15.04.060 Relocated and demolished buildings and structures – Permits.

Section 3303, Chapter 33 of the International Building Code is hereby amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:

Section 3303.7 Bond Required. Every permit to move, relocate, or demolish a structure or building shall be subject to compliance with the following provisions:

1. Bond requirement. As a condition of a permit to move, relocate, or demolish a building or structure, the Building Official may, when he deems necessary, require the applicant to post with the City Treasurer a bond guaranteeing performance and completion of the project, running to the benefit of the City and conditioned upon the satisfactory completion of the terms and conditions of the relocation/demolition permit.

2. The bond shall be in such amount as is deemed appropriate by the Building Official, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the relocation/demolition involved, potential damage to surrounding properties, the cost of completing the relocation/demolition if not completed by the applicant and such other factors as may reasonably relate to the relocation/demolition. In no event shall the bond required be less than $500.00. Provided, however, the Building Official may in his discretion waive the bond under the following conditions:

(a) The applicant is the owner of the real property and there are no liens and/or encumbrances against said property and the applicant/owner provides adequate proof thereof (e.g. title insurance); and

(b) The fair market value of said property (or other real property as may be used as security) is at least twice the amount of the bond that would be required; and

(c) The applicant, at his cost, executes an agreement, secured by a deed of trust, for said real property, guaranteeing performance of work to be performed and/or repayment of costs in the event the City must complete the project or otherwise foreclose on the property, together with costs of said foreclosure; and

(d) Said substitute procedure must be approved by the Building Official and the City Attorney; and

(e) Applicant shall pay a fee of $50.00 to cover the costs of document preparation and recording.

3. If the Building Official deems it appropriate for Group U Occupancies, and after considering the nature and extent of the relocation/demolition project involved, the bond may be waived in its entirety.

4. Bond conditions. Every relocation/demolition bond filed pursuant to this chapter shall be conditioned upon the completion to the satisfaction of the Building Official of the performance of all the terms and conditions of the relocation/demolition permit. Such completion shall be evidenced by a statement thereof signed by the Building Official. When a cash bond has been posted, the amount thereof shall be returned to the permittee upon termination of the bond.

(Ord. 1682 NS § 6, 2022).

15.04.070 Professional design.

When required by Chapters 18.08 and 18.43 RCW, project documents shall be stamped by an architect and/or engineer licensed by the state of Washington. (Ord. 1682 NS § 7, 2022).

15.04.080 Commercial energy code.

All commercial and multifamily proposals which have more than four dwelling units shall be required to employ and pay for the services of a special plans examiner/special inspector (SPE/SI) to document design compliance and provide energy code related field inspections. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, a final report generated by the SPE/SI must be submitted to the building department. (Ord. 1682 NS § 8, 2022).

15.04.090 Penalties for violations.

In addition to or as an alternative to any other penalty provided in the Colville Municipal Code or by law, any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this title shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to one year, or both such fine and imprisonment (as provided in RCW 35A.11.020. (Ord. 1690 NS § 1, 2022).

15.04.100 Severability clause.

Should any section or provision of this chapter be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the chapter as a whole, or any part thereof other than the part so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid. (Ord. 1682 NS § 10, 2022).