Chapter 14.14
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Sections:
14.14.010 Washington state building ordinances adopted.
14.14.020 Duties of the building inspector.
14.14.040 Building permit fees.
14.14.060 Only construction in compliance with approved plans authorized.
14.14.070 Accessory buildings.
14.14.110 Repairs and maintenance.
14.14.120 Inspection of improvements.
14.14.010 Washington state building ordinances adopted.
The model codes listed below, as approved and adopted by the state of Washington under RCW 19.27.031 through the State Building Code Council (SBCC), together with any amendments or additions, are adopted by this reference. These codes apply to all new construction, remodeling or repairs. Copies of the codes are on file in the office of the building inspector.
A. International Building Code (IBC) including Appendix E and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009, and the International Existing Building Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code;
B. International Residential Code (IRC) including Appendices F and Q, but excluding Chapters 11 and 25-43;
C. International Mechanical Code (IMC) including NFPA 54—National Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 58—Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases;
D. International Fire Code (IFC) and referenced NFPA standards within;
E. Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) including Appendices A, B, and I;
F. Washington State Energy Code;
The following codes/regulations adopted independently from the state of Washington:
A. Washington State Barrier Fee Regulations;
B. 2009 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC);
C. 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings;
D. 1997 Uniform Housing Code. (Ord. 871 § 1, 2017; Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.010)
14.14.020 Duties of the building inspector.
The duties of the building inspector are described in the model codes listed in Section 14.14.010. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.020)
14.14.030 Building permits.
A. No building or other structure may be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a permit issued by the building inspector. No building permit may be issued except in conformity with the provisions of this title.
B. When required by the building inspector, all applications for building permits must be accompanied by plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing:
1. The actual dimensions and shape of the lot to be built upon;
2. The exact sizes and location of existing buildings on the lot, if any; and
3. The location and dimensions of the proposed building or alteration.
C. The application must include such other information as lawfully may be required by the building inspector, including:
1. Existing or proposed building or alteration;
2. Existing or proposed uses of the building and land;
3. The number of families, housekeeping units, or rental units the building is designed to accommodate;
4. Conditions existing on the lot; and
5. Other matters as may be necessary to determine conformance with, and provide for the enforcement, of this title.
D. One (1) copy of the plans will be returned to the applicant by the building inspector after marking the copy approved or disapproved and signing the copy. The second copy of the plans will be retained by the building inspector.
E. If work described in any building permit has not begun within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of issuance of the permit, the permit will expire, the permit will be canceled by the building inspector, and written notice that the permit has expired will be given to the applicant. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.030)
14.14.040 Building permit fees.
Building permit fees are set by resolution. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.040)
14.14.050 Side sewer permit.
No building permits for primary use structures will be issued without the applicant having first secured a side sewer permit per Section 14.06.110. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.050)
14.14.060 Only construction in compliance with approved plans authorized.
A. Building permits issued on the basis of plans and applications approved by the building inspector authorize only the construction set forth in such approved plans and application and no other construction.
B. Construction different than that authorized will be considered a violation of this title and punishable as provided by Section 15.02.140. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.060)
14.14.070 Accessory buildings.
Accessory buildings may not be constructed before construction of the main building. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.070)
14.14.080 Fences.
A. Building permits are required for all fence construction six (6) feet and over in height.
B. No fence on a corner lot may interfere with a driver’s ability to see at an intersection. Fences on corner lots may not be more than forty-two (42) inches above street grade. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.080)
14.14.090 Retaining walls.
A. Building permits are required for all retaining walls over four (4) feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing.
B. All retaining walls over eight (8) feet in height must be designed, stamped and acknowledged by a professional engineer licensed by the state. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.090)
14.14.100 Signs.
Sign permits are required for sign installations and must comply with the regulations of Chapter 15.45. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.100)
14.14.110 Repairs and maintenance.
Nothing in this title prevents the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any building or structure declared unsafe by any official charged with protecting public safety. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.110)
14.14.120 Inspection of improvements.
A. Before signing off the final inspection, the building inspector will inspect all improvements installed as a requirement of this title or as a condition of permit on or adjacent to the site.
B. Any improvements found to be damaged by the builder must be repaired before receiving final inspection sign-off. (Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 627 (part), 1999. Formerly 15.84.120)