Chapter 15.04
BUILDING CODES

Sections:

15.04.010    Title.

15.04.020    Adoption.

15.04.030    Design requirements.

15.04.040    Contractor registration.

15.04.050    Building relocation – Applicant.

15.04.060    Fees.

15.04.070    Permits.

15.04.080    Violation – Prohibited.

15.04.090    Violation – Penalty.

15.04.010 Title.

This chapter shall be known as the building code of the city. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 228 § 1, 1975).

15.04.020 Adoption.

The city of Kittitas hereby adopts the following codes, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the construction, alteration, removal, demolition, equipment, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of buildings and structures, which includes the following:

(1) The 2015 International Building Code (IBC) published by the Code Council, Inc., as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-50 WAC, and as may subsequently be amended by this chapter, is hereby adopted with the following appendices and amendments:

(a) Appendices.

(i) Appendix C: Group U – Agricultural Buildings.

(ii) Appendix E: Supplementary Accessibility Requirements.

(iii) Appendix H: Signs.

(iv) Appendix I: Patio Covers.

(b) Amendments.

(i) Work Exempt from Permit.

(A) Amend Section 105.2, Work Exempt from Permit, Building, (1), by adding the following:

is not closer than 6 feet to any other structure and all required building, zoning and critical areas requirements are met.

(B) Amend Section 105.2, Work Exempt from Permit, Building, (6), by adding the words “platforms” and “decks” to modify permit exemptions, if deck or platform is 30 inches or less from grade.

(2) The 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) published by the International Code Council, Inc., as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-51 WAC, and as may subsequently be amended by this chapter, is hereby adopted with the following appendices and amendments:

(a) Appendices.

(i) Appendix A: (IFGC), Sizing and Capacities of Gas Piping.

(ii) Appendix B: (IFGC), Sizing of Venting Systems Serving Appliances Equipped with Draft Hoods, Category I Appliances and Appliances Listed for Use and Type B Vents.

(iii) Appendix C: Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct-Vent Venting Systems.

(iv) Appendix G: Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.

(v) Appendix H: Patio Covers.

(vi) Appendix J: Existing Buildings and Structures.

(3) The 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC) published by the International Code Council, Inc., except that the standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code), as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-52 WAC, and as may subsequently be amended by this chapter, is hereby adopted.

(4) The 2015 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; provided, that notwithstanding any wording in this code, participants in religious ceremonies shall not be precluded from carrying handheld candles, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-54 WAC, and as may subsequently be amended by this chapter, is hereby adopted with the following appendices:

(a) Appendix B: Fire Flow for Buildings.

(b) Appendix C: Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution.

(c) Appendix D: Fire Apparatus Access Roads.

(d) Appendix E: Hazard Categories.

(e) Appendix K: Washington State Amendments to the 2015 Wildland and Urban Interface Code.

(5) The 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) except as provided in RCW 19.27.170, the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; provided, that any provisions of such code affecting sewers or fuel gas piping are not adopted. The UPC, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapters 51-56 and 51-57 WAC, and as may subsequently be amended by this chapter, is hereby adopted with the following appendices:

(a) Appendix A: Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System.

(b) Appendix B: Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems.

(c) Appendix I: Installation Standards.

In case of conflict among the codes enumerated in subsections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this section, the first named code shall govern over those following.

(6) The Washington State Energy Code as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-11 WAC is hereby adopted.

(7) The Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-13 WAC is hereby adopted.

(8) The 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as published by the International Code Council, Inc., is hereby adopted.

(a) The International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the property maintenance code of the city of Kittitas, in the state of Washington, for regulating and governing the conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures; by providing the standards for supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; and the condemnation of buildings and structures unfit for human occupancy and use, and the demolition of such existing structures as herein provided; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said property maintenance code on file in the office of the city of Kittitas are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in subsection (8)(b) of this section.

(b) The following sections are hereby revised:

(i) Section 101.1. Insert: “City of Kittitas.”

(ii) Section 103.5. Insert: “Resolution 14-014R.”

(iii) Section 112.4. Insert: “$500.00.”

(iv) Section 302.4. Insert: “Eight Inches.”

(v) Section 304.14. Insert: “January 1st thru December 31st.”

(vi) Section 602.3. Insert: “October 1st thru May 31st.”

(vii) Section 602.4. Insert: “November 1st thru March 31st.”

(c) Ordinance No. 14-001 of the city of Kittitas entitled “Building and Construction” and all other ordinances or parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

(d) If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The city of Kittitas hereby declares that it would have passed the ordinance codified in this chapter, and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional.

(e) Nothing in this chapter or in the property maintenance code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance hereby repealed as cited in subsection (8)(c) of this section, nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this chapter.

(f) The city of Kittitas is hereby ordered and directed to cause the ordinance codified in this chapter to be published.

(g) The ordinance codified in this chapter and the rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders and matters established and adopted thereby shall take effect and be in full force and effect five days from and after the date of its final passage and adoption.

(9) The 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) as published by the International Code Council, Inc., is hereby adopted.

(10) The International Wildland Urban Interface Code (WUI Code), most current edition, as published by the International Code Council; with the following adopted appendices and amendments:

(a) Appendix B: Vegetation Management Plan. (Ord. 16-012 § 1; Ord. 15-025 § 1; Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 98-579 §§ 2, 3; Ord. 334, 1983; Ord. 228 § 2, 1975).

15.04.030 Design requirements.

(1) Conflict between Codes. Whenever there is a conflict between a referenced code in KMC 15.04.020 and the general requirements contained in this section, the general requirements shall apply.

(2) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria.

(a) Roof snow load: 30 pounds minimum.

(b) Wind speed (gust): 110 mph.

(c) Seismic design category: C.

(d) Subject to damage from:

(i) Weathering: severe.

(ii) Frost line depth: 24 inches.

(iii) Termite: slight to moderate.

(e) Climate zone: 5B.

(f) Winter design temperature: two degrees.

(g) Ice shield underlayment required: yes. Ice shield underlays shall extend from the eave’s edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.

(h) Flood hazards – Date entered into NFIP: March 3, 1975. Date of current FIRM maps adopted: May 5, 1981, and April 15, 1982.

(i) Base flood elevation: one foot.

(j) Air freezing index: 1,500.

(k) Mean annual temperature: 50 degrees.

(3) Professional Preparation of Plans. The city of Kittitas shall require a Washington State licensed design professional, licensed under the provisions of Chapter 18.08 RCW, Chapter 308-12 WAC (for architects) or Chapter 18.43 RCW (for engineers) to stamp, prepare or oversee the preparation of plans and calculations for buildings or structures when any of the following criteria are met but is not limited to the following:

(a) The following are required to be professionally designed for structural integrity (lateral and gravity), life safety and architectural barriers (accessibility).

(i) A building of any occupancy over 4,000 square feet.

Exception: Residential structures.

(ii) Buildings containing five or more residential dwelling units.

(b) The following are required to be professionally designed for structural integrity (lateral and gravity) only:

(i) All steel, concrete, masonry and timber-framed structures.

(ii) All log buildings and structures. This includes any log or beam style trusses used in stick-framed buildings.

Exception: One-story log buildings with a single ridged stick-framed roof with no valleys or trussed roof may be accepted without a professional structural design.

(c) Any other structures within the city of Kittitas; accessory, either commercial or residential as determined by the building official.

(4) Construction Plans. All submitted construction documents must be of sufficient detail and clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed. The amount of detail required will vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the project, minimum submittal standards for construction plans are as follows:

(a) Plans will be drawn to a minimum of one-quarter-inch scale on appropriately sized paper with minimum one-inch margins. Elevations may be one-eighth-inch scale.

(b) Plans will be drawn on a minimum page size of 11 inches by 17 inches.

(c) Plans must be on substantial paper, with clear and readable text. Minimum text sizes for hand-drawn plans should be one-eighth inch and three-thirty-seconds inch for CADD.

(d) Site plans with setbacks indicated, floor plans, cross-sectional (foundation through roof), elevations (all sides), beams, truss design (stamped), and other information if required by official. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 228 § 3, 1975).

15.04.040 Contractor registration.

No permit shall be issued for work which is to be done by any contractor required to be registered under Chapter 18.27 RCW without verification that such contractor is currently registered as required by law. All contractors shall have a city business license as required under KMC 5.04.030. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1).

15.04.050 Building relocation – Applicant.

(1) Applicant must furnish to the city of Kittitas a bond, cashier’s check or certified check in a sum equal to $2.00 per square foot of usable space regardless of the classification of the structure. This amount shall not be less than $500.00 per structure. The applicant must also submit an application to placement of this structure following and adhering to the typical process and code requirements. Bond notes or checks will be held by the city of Kittitas until the following conditions are met:

(a) Appropriate inspections have been approved by the building department for setback requirements, foundation, structural, mechanical, plumbing, life safety, energy, ventilation and fire codes.

(b) Electrical approval shall be made by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

(c) Water and sewer lines must meet approval prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy of use of the structure.

(2) Structure must be completed as described in subsection (1) of this section within 180 days of move. If not completed, the building official shall revoke the refund of the bond. This bond may then be utilized for the removal of said structure and any costs in excess of this deposit shall be charged to the owner of record. The applicant may petition for an additional 180 days but will not be granted without approval of the building official. If approved, any extension may occur only once.

(3) The bond shall be held for 10 days from date of compliance. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 228 § 4, 1975. Formerly 15.04.030).

15.04.060 Fees.

(1) All city of Kittitas permit fees shall be established by resolution. The building valuation data utilized will be those values established in each April issue of Building Standards, including modifiers.

(2) Investigative Fees – Work without a Permit.

(a) Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining a said permit, a stop work order shall be issued and a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.

(b) An investigative fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is issued. Payment of the investigative fee does not vest the illegal work with any legitimacy nor does it establish any right to a permit for continued development of that project. If the work done remains illegal for 90 days after issuance of the stop work order, it shall be considered hazardous.

(c) The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.

(3) Fee Refunds. The building official may authorize the refunding of:

(a) One hundred percent of any fee erroneously paid or collected.

(b) Up to 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.

(c) Up to 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review has been paid is withdrawn or cancelled before any plan review is done.

The building official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 228 § 5, 1975. Formerly 15.04.050).

15.04.070 Permits.

(1) Except as specified in KMC 15.04.020 (work exempt from permit), no building or structure shall be erected, placed, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the city of Kittitas.

(2) All permits shall expire by limitation and be declared void if any one of the following applies:

(a) Work is not started within 180 days of obtaining a permit.

(b) Work is abandoned for 180 days or more after beginning work.

(c) An inspection has not been performed by the city of Kittitas for over one year.

The building official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 180 days on request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken.

If a permit has expired, a new permit may be obtained for one-half the permit fee(s) for a new permit for such work, plus issuance fees and less plan review fees, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original construction documents for such work, and provided further that the permit was reviewed under the current adopted codes. If there are changes to the original construction documents or if the permit is renewed under a different code, a plan review must be completed and charged at the current rate. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 228 § 6, 1975. Formerly 15.04.060).

15.04.080 Violation – Prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the city, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 228 § 8, 1975. Formerly 15.04.070).

15.04.090 Violation – Penalty.

Failure to comply with the regulations of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine not in excess of $500.00 or imprisonment of six months or by both. Each day in violation, after notification of the same, shall be considered a separate offense. (Ord. 14-026 § 1; Ord. 11-007 § 1; Ord. 11-002 § 1; Ord. 07-025 § 1; Ord. 04-728 § 1; Ord. 279 Att. A § 2, 1979; Ord. 228 § 9, 1975. Formerly 15.04.080).