[1]
Prior legislation: Ord. 851.
This chapter shall be known as the city of Bonney Lake municipal building code.
(Ord. 700 § 1, 1995; Ord. 778 § 1, 1998)
Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.140, the following codes of technical regulations are adopted by this reference as if fully set forth, subject to the modifications or amendments set forth in this chapter, and with the exception of those provisions of the codes set forth in this chapter; provided, that the community development director or building official at any time may adopt any subsequent or amended versions of the following codes without further action by the city council, such that the most current version of the regulations remains in effect:
A. 
The International Building Code, published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in Chapter 51-50 WAC.
B. 
The International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference, with the exceptions noted in Chapter 51-51 WAC and with the following additions, deletions, and exceptions: provided, that Chapters 11 and 25 through 43 of this code are not adopted. Appendix F, Radon Control Methods, Appendix G, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, Appendix R, Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems, and Appendix S, Fire Sprinklers, are included in adoption of the International Residential Code.
C. 
The International Fire Code, published by the International Code Council, Appendix B (Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings) and Appendix D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads), are hereby adopted by reference with the additions, deletions, and exceptions as noted in Chapter 51-54A WAC.
D. 
The International Energy Conservation Code, as amended by Chapters 51-11C and 51-11R WAC, is hereby adopted by reference.
E. 
The International Mechanical Code as published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in Chapter 51-52 WAC.
F. 
The Uniform Plumbing Code, including Appendices A, B, and I, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in Chapter 51-56 WAC and with the following additions, deletions and exceptions: provided, that Chapters 12 and 15 of this code are not adopted; provided further, that 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.
G. 
The International Property Maintenance Code, published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference.
H. 
The International Existing Building Code, published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference.
I. 
The International Fuel Gas Code as published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in Chapter 51-52 WAC.
J. 
Minimum Design Requirements. The following climatic and geographic design criteria are adopted pursuant to Section R301.2 of the International Residential Code and ASCE 7-16:
Ground snow load
Wind Design
Seismic design category
Weathering
Frost line depth
Termite
Decay
Winter design temp.
Ice shield underlay required
Flood hazards
Air freeze index
Mean annual temp.
Speed (mph)
Topographic effects
Wind speed risk category 2 (mph)1
Wind speed risk category 3 (mph)2
20 psf
85
Yes
95
105
D1
Moderate
12''
Slight – Moderate
Moderate
27
No
1985
160
51.2
1 Exposure B. Low occupant load (ex. SFR, etc.).
2 Exposure B. High occupant load (ex. theaters, schools, healthcare facilities, etc.).
(Ord. 700 § 1, 1995; Ord. 778 § 1, 1998; Ord. 885 § 1, 2001; Ord. 1035 § 1, 2004; Ord. 1242 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1358 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1359 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1371 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1462 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1643 § 5, 2020; Ord. 1686 § 8, 2023)
In interpreting the provisions of any of the codes adopted by reference in BLMC § 15.04.020, the following terms shall be given the meanings set forth in this section:
A. 
Repealed by Ord. 1653.
B. 
"Building official"
means the building official of the city or his duly authorized representative.
C. 
Repealed by Ord. 1686.
D. 
"Fire official"
means the director or designee.
E. 
"Owner"
means any person, agent, firm or corporation which holds the fee title to real property or which holds a valid purchaser's contract for purchase of real property which is filed for record with the auditor of Pierce County.
(Ord. 700 § 1, 1995; Ord. 778 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1643 § 6, 2020; Ord. 1653 § 1, 2021; Ord. 1686 § 9, 2023)
Repealed by Ord. 1598.
(Ord. 700 § 1, 1995; Ord. 778 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1035 § 3, 2004; Ord. 1242 § 2, 2007; Ord. 1358 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1462 § 11, 2013; Ord. 1480 § 1, 2014)
The International Building Code as adopted by BLMC § 15.04.020 is hereby amended as follows:
A. 
Section 100.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
B. 
Section 103.1 Creation of Enforcement Agency.
The Public Services Department shall be responsible for the enforcement of this code.
C. 
Section 104.3 Notice and Orders.
The building official shall issue necessary notice and order to ensure compliance with this code. Service of notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in BLMC § 14.130.050.
D. 
Section 104.6 Right of entry.
Refer to BLMC § 14.130.060 regarding right of inspection.
E. 
Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit – Building item No. 1 is deleted in its entirety.
F. 
Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit – Building item No. 2.
Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) in height.
G. 
Section 105.3.1 Action on application.
The building official shall examine or cause to be to be examined applications for permits and amendments after the complete application has been submitted to the City as determined by BLMC § 14.40.030. If the application or construction documents do not conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent regulations, the building official shall provide notice to the applicant stating the deficiencies. Once the building official determines that the proposed work conforms to this code and other pertinent regulations the building official shall issue a permit. Issuance of a permit shall occur within 120 days as calculated pursuant to BLMC § 14.10.070, unless the applicant and City mutually agree to additional time to issue the permit.
H. 
Section 105.3.2 Time limitation of application.
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or the permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized to grant a maximum of two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
I. 
Section 105.6 entitled "Suspension or revocation" is deleted in its entirety.
J. 
Section 107.3.4.1 entitled "Deferred submittals" is deleted in its entirety.
K. 
Section 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance.
Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an Investigation Fee. An investigation fee in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee required by this code.
L. 
Section 111 Certificate of occupancy. The following is added to Section 111:
Section 111.5 Use and Occupancy.
No building or structure of Groups A, B, E, F, H, I, LC, M, R, or S occupancies shall be used or classification of a building or structure or portion thereof, shall be made until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy as provided herein. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued only:
1. After compliance with applicable zoning regulations, concomitant agreement articles, construction permit conditions, conformity to the provisions of this code, and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; and
2. Upon satisfactory repair of, or payment for, any damage to city property occurring in the course of work done under the provisions of this code; and
3. Electronic media documents of the as-built building has been received and approved by the City of Bonney Lake.
M. 
Section 111.3 Temporary Occupancy is deleted in its entirety.
N. 
Section 114 Violations.
Violations of this code shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
O. 
Section 115 Stop Work Order.
Stop work orders shall be governed by BLMC § 14.130.070.
P. 
Section 116 Unsafe structures and equipment.
The abatement of unsafe structures and equipment shall comply with the requirements of BLMC § 14.130.160.
Q. 
Section 406.3.2.1 Separation.
Private residential garages attached to a dwelling unit shall be separated from the dwelling unit with one layer of 5/8 inch Type-X sheetrock on the garage side. This sheetrock shall be continuous from the foundation to roof sheathing, or on all walls and ceiling of the garage. When a dwelling unit is located above a garage, all walls and ceilings of the garage shall have minimum one layer of 5/8 inch Type-X sheetrock. When framing members are more than 16'' on center two layers of 5/8 inch Type-X sheetrock shall be required. Sheetrock shall be nailed at seven (7) inches on center, on both edge and field with 6d two (2) inch nails. Openings such as doors and attic accesses shall be 1-3/8 inch solid core doors, or a twenty (20)-minute rated assembly and shall be self-closing and self-latching. Penetrations shall be steel, ferrous or copper pipes, or steel conduit, or one-hour listed assemblies. No windows shall be permitted in the garage/house wall. Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.
R. 
Section 508.1 General.
508.1 General.
Each portion of a building shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. Where a building contains more than one occupancy group, the building or portion thereof shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 508.2, 508.3, 508.4 or 508.5, or a combination of these sections.
Exceptions:
1. Occupancies separated in accordance with Section 510.
2. Where required by Table 415.6.5, areas of Group H-1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be located in a detached building or structure.
3. When a child day care center, as defined in BLMC § 18.04.030, is operated in a dedicated space within an existing building that has more than one use, the building official must calculate the occupancy load of the child day care center based only on the areas in the building where the child day care services are provided.
(Ord. 1035 § 6, 2004; Ord. 1462 § 3, 2013; Ord. 1643 § 7, 2020; Ord. 1745, 12/9/2025)
The International Residential Code, as adopted by BLMC § 15.04.020, is hereby amended as follows:
A. 
Section R100.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Residential Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
B. 
Section R103.1 Creation of Enforcement Agency.
The Public Services Department shall be responsible for the enforcement of this code.
C. 
Section R104.3 Notice and Orders.
The building official shall issue necessary notice and order to ensure compliance with this code. Service of notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in BLMC § 14.130.050.
D. 
Section R104.6 Right of entry.
Refer to BLMC § 14.130.060 regarding right of inspection.
E. 
Section R105.2 Work Exempt from Permit – Building Item No. 1.
One-story detached structures accessory to a residence used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, shall not require a permit provided the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet and complies all with required setbacks.
F. 
Section R105.2 Work Exempt from Permit – Building Item No. 2.
Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) in height.
G. 
Section R105.3.1 Action on application.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(G).
H. 
Section R105.3.2 Time limitation of application.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(H).
I. 
Section R105.6 entitled "Suspension or revocation" is deleted in its entirety.
J. 
Section R106.1 Submittal documents. The following is added to Section R106.1:
Section R106.1.5 Revisions to approved plans are to be submitted and approved three days prior to calling for frame inspection.
K. 
Section R106.2 Site plan or plot plan. The following is added to Section R106.2:
Section R106.2.1. Sites with slopes greater than fifteen percent (15%) shall indicate slope on the site plan with topography lines in two (2) foot increments.
L. 
Section R106.3.3 is deleted in its entirety.
M. 
Section R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(K).
N. 
Section R111.3 is deleted in its entirety.
O. 
Section R113 Violations.
Violations of this code shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
P. 
Section R114 Stop Work Order.
Stop work orders shall be governed by BLMC § 14.130.070.
Q. 
Section R302.6 Separation amended.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(Q).
R. 
Section R319.1 Address identification.
Approved addresses assigned by the City consistent with the standards of Chapter 15.32 BLMC shall be provided for all buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. Addresses numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters a minimum of 4 inches in height, with a 1 inch minimum stroke and have a highly contrasting background. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Where required by the Fire Official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by the means of a panhandle lot or access easement/tract that does not have a street number and the building address is not visible from the public right-of-way, a monument, pole, other sign, or means containing the building address shall be used in addition to the address attached to the building.
(Ord. 1035 § 7, 2004; Ord. 1066 § 1, 2004; Ord. 1358 § 3, 2010; Ord. 1462 § 4, 2013; Ord. 1643 § 8, 2020; Ord. 1686 § 10, 2023)
The International Fire Code, as adopted by BLMC § 15.04.020, is hereby amended as follows:
Section 503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet or 28 feet with parking on one side except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6 and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches.
Section 503.2.4 Turning Radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall have a minimum inside turning radius of 28 feet.
Section 503.2.5 Dead Ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus (see Appendix D of the International Fire Code) and Bonney Lake Engineering Standards.
Section 503.3 Marking. Where required by the Fire Code Official, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided for fire apparatus roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs or notices shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary for adequate visibility.
In accordance with the Washington State Highway Commission Sign Fabrication Manual M240-70 HT and the Manual of International Traffic Control Devices issued by the Federal Highway Administration, per illustration:
Lettering Specifications:
3" – Class C Width
2" – Class C Width
1/2" – Class C Width
Entrance Signs: The chief may allow the use of entrance signs for multi-family dwelling occupancies. When allowed, the signs shall be placed at each entrance to the property. Signs shall be in a clearly conspicuous location and shall clearly state "Notice, All Roads Are Emergency Vehicle Lanes," and "Park in Marked Stalls Only."
Lettering Specifications:
3" – Class C Width
2" – Class C Width
1/2" – Class C Width
Section 503.6 Security Gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the Fire Chief. Where security gates are installed, they shall meet the following requirements:
1. Locked gates shall have an approved key box or key override system installed.
2. Gates serving 10 or more dwelling units shall have an Opticom activation system, Knox key override system or an equivalent and compatible system approved by the Fire Chief.
3. All electrically activated gates shall have default capabilities to the unlock position.
4. The minimum clearance width of a gate shall be compatible with the required width of the fire apparatus access road. Gate posts, keypads and other gate appurtenances shall be located in such a manner that they will not obstruct or restrict ingress and egress of emergency vehicles.
5. The security gate and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.
6. Gates shall follow Pierce County Gate Standards.
Section 505.1 Premises Identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch. In addition, new and existing buildings located 100' or more from the street right of way shall have the same 6 inch address dimension on the building and at the street.
1. Multi-Family Residential, Commercial, or Small Business:
Amount of Setback
Number/Letter Size
50 Feet or less
6 inches
51 Feet to 100 Feet
12 inches
100 Feet or more
18 inches
Individual Apartment Units
4 inches
2. Large Commercial or Industrial Complexes:
Amount of Setback
Number/Letter Size
50 Feet or less
12 inches
51 Feet to 100 Feet
18 inches
100 Feet or more
24 inches
Section 907.1.3 Equipment. In addition to those requirements found in Section 907.2 of the International Fire Code, the following shall apply. System and components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are intended and installed.
The automatic/manual fire alarm system shall consist of a minimum of the following:
1. Addressable fire alarm.
2. Interior audible/visual alarm devices for the notification of the building occupants throughout. WAC 51.50.1101 and IBC Chapter 11.
3. Exterior horn/strobe shall be located on the address side of the building.
4. Visible devices in restrooms.
5. Manual pull stations at each exit.
6. Smoke detection in corridors.
7. Monitoring of the automatic fire sprinkler systems/fire alarm systems.
8. Buildings containing multiple tenants shall have an addressable fire alarm system capable of monitoring and sending notification of all protection systems and the individual suite address within the building to an approved central station.
9. Multiple story buildings shall have an addressable system capable of monitoring and sending notification of all protection systems within the building to an approved central station.
Section 907.2 Where required – new buildings and structures. An approved manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with this section, and in all structures exceeding 5,000 square feet gross floor area. Fire alarm systems required by Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 shall be of an addressable type. In addition to the requirements of this section an approved addressable fire alarm system shall be provided in all buildings exceeding 5,000 square feet of gross floor area or greater.
1103.7 Fire alarm systems. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 1103.7.1 through 1103.7.7 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.6 unless other requirements are provided by other sections of this code. In addition, an approved fire alarm system shall be installed in all existing structures with a gross floor area exceeding 5,000 square feet that are altered 50% or more of gross floor area as defined by the International Building Code.
Exception: Occupancies with an existing, previously approved fire alarm system.
(Ord. 1462 § 5, 2013)
The International Property Maintenance Code, as adopted by BLMC § 15.04.020, is hereby amended as follows:
A. 
Section 101.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the International Property Maintenance Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
B. 
Section 102.3 Application of other codes.
Repairs, additions or alterations to a structure, or changes of occupancy, shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of this chapter.
C. 
Section 103.1 General.
The code official shall enforce the International Property Maintenance Code.
D. 
Section 103.5 Fees.
All fees shall be determined by Chapter 3.68 BLMC.
E. 
Section 104.3 Right of entry. Refer to BLMC § 14.130.060.
F. 
Section 106 Violations.
Violation of the International Property Maintenance Code shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
G. 
Section 107.1 Notice to responsible person.
Whenever the code official determines that there has been a violation of this code or has grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in BLMC § 14.130.080.
H. 
Sections 107.2, Form, and 107.3, Method of service, are deleted.
I. 
Section 107.5, Penalties for noncompliance with orders and notices, shall be as provided in Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
J. 
Section 111 is deleted in its entirety.
K. 
Section 112.4 Failure to comply.
Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform by the code official to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
L. 
Section 201.3 Terms defined in other codes.
Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the codes adopted by reference in BLMC § 15.04.020, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as stated in those codes.
M. 
Section 302.4 Weeds.
All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of twenty-four inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers or gardens. Noxious weeds shall be defined as those found on the Noxious Weeds Designated for Control or Eradication in Pierce County by the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board.
N. 
Section 302.8, Motor vehicles, is deleted in its entirety.
O. 
Section 502.5 Public toilet facilities.
Public toilet facilities shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary and working condition in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the city in BLMC § 15.04.020(F). Except for periodic maintenance or cleaning, public access and use shall be provided to the toilet facilities at all times during occupancy of the premises.
(Ord. 1610 § 6, 2019)
A. 
Section 101.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Mechanical Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
B. 
Section 103.1 General.
The Public Services Department shall be responsible for the enforcement of this code.
C. 
Section 104.4 Right of entry.
Refer to BLMC § 14.130.060 regarding right of inspection.
D. 
Section 104.6 Notice and Orders.
The code official shall issue necessary notice and order to ensure compliance with this code. Service of notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in BLMC § 14.130.050.
E. 
Section 106.3.3 Time limitation of application.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(G).
F. 
Section 106.4.5 entitled "Suspension or revocation of permit" is deleted in its entirety.
G. 
Section 106.5 Fees.
A permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(1) have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee required by BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(9)(e) has been paid.
H. 
Section 106.5.1 Work commencing before permit issuance.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(K).
I. 
Sections 106.5.2 and 106.5.3 are each deleted in their entirety.
J. 
Section 107.4.1 entitled "Revocation" is deleted in its entirety.
K. 
Section 108.1 Unlawful acts.
Violations of this code shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
L. 
Sections 108.2 through 108.4 are each deleted in their entirety.
M. 
Section 108.5 Stop Work Order.
Stop work orders shall be governed by BLMC § 14.130.070.
(Ord. 700 § 1, 1995; Ord. 711 § 3, 1995; Ord. 778 § 1, 1998; Ord. 826 § 5, 1999; Ord. 885 § 3, 2001; Ord. 1035 § 8, 2004; Ord. 1242 § 3, 2007; Ord. 1358 § 6, 2010; Ord. 1462 §§ 6, 11, 2013; Ord. 1643 § 9, 2020)
A. 
Section 101.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Fuel Gas Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
B. 
Section 103.1 General.
The Public Services Department shall be responsible for the enforcement of this code.
C. 
Section 104.4 Right of entry.
Refer to BLMC § 14.130.060 regarding right of inspection.
D. 
Section 104.6 Notice and Orders.
The code official shall issue necessary notice and order to ensure compliance with this code. Service of notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in BLMC § 14.130.050.
E. 
Section 106.3.2 Time limitation of application.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(G).
F. 
Section 106.5.5 entitled "Suspension or revocation of permit" is deleted in its entirety.
G. 
Section 106.6 Fees.
A permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(1) have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee required by BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(9)(e) has been paid.
H. 
Section 106.6.1 Work commencing before permit issuance.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(K).
I. 
Sections 106.6.2 and 106.6.3 are each deleted in their entirety.
J. 
Section 107.4.1 entitled "Revocation" is deleted in its entirety.
K. 
Section 108.1 Unlawful acts.
Violations of this code shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
L. 
Sections 108.2 through 108.4 are each deleted in their entirety.
M. 
Section 108.5 Stop Work Order.
Stop work orders shall be governed by BLMC § 14.130.070.
(Ord. 1643 § 10, 2020)
A. 
Section 103.4 Right of entry.
Refer to BLMC § 14.130.060 regarding right of inspection.
B. 
Section 104.3.2 Plan review fees.
Refer to BLMC § 3.68.030.
C. 
Section 104.3.3 Time limitation of application.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(G).
D. 
Section 104.4.5 entitled "Suspension or revocation" is deleted in its entirety.
E. 
Section 104.5 Fees.
A permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(1) have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee required by BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(9)(e) has been paid.
F. 
Section 104.5.1 Work commencing before permit issuance.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(K).
G. 
Sections 104.5.2 and Table 104.5 are each deleted in their entirety.
H. 
Section 104.5.3 Fee refunds.
Refer to BLMC § 3.68.020.
I. 
Section 105.2.6 Reinspections.
Refer to BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(6).
J. 
Section 106.1 General.
Violations of this code shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
K. 
Sections 106.2 through 106.3 are each deleted in their entirety.
L. 
Section 106.4 Stop Work Order.
Stop work orders shall be governed by BLMC § 14.130.070.
(Ord. 1643 § 11, 2020)
A. 
Section 101.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
B. 
Section 103.1 General.
The Public Services Department shall be responsible for the enforcement of this code.
C. 
Section 104.4 Right of entry.
Refer to BLMC § 14.130.060 regarding right of inspection.
D. 
Section 104.6 Notice and Orders.
The code official shall issue necessary notice and order to ensure compliance with this code. Service of notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in BLMC § 14.130.050.
E. 
Section 106.3.3 Time limitation of application.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(G).
F. 
Section 106.4.5 entitled "Suspension or revocation of permit" is deleted in its entirety.
G. 
Section 106.5 Fees.
A permit shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(1) have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee required by BLMC § 3.68.030(I)(9)(e) has been paid.
H. 
Section 106.5.1 Work commencing before permit issuance.
See BLMC § 15.04.082(K).
I. 
Sections 106.5.2 and 106.5.3 are each deleted in their entirety.
J. 
Section 107.4.1 entitled "Revocation" is deleted in its entirety.
K. 
Section 108.1 Unlawful acts.
Violations of this code shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 14.130 BLMC.
L. 
Sections 108.2 through 108.4 are each deleted in their entirety.
M. 
Section 108.5 Stop Work Order.
Stop work orders shall be governed by BLMC § 14.130.070.
(Ord. 1643 § 12, 2020)
A. 
New Housing in Existing Buildings.
1. 
In any building that received a certificate of occupancy at least three years prior to a complete permit application to add housing units, the building official shall:
a. 
Not require unchanged portions of an existing building that have been used for residential or previously permit-approved conditioned space purposes to meet the current energy code solely because of the addition of new dwelling units within the building. When any other existing building is converted to new dwelling units, changed portions of each of those new units must meet the requirements of the current Washington State Energy Code, except if:
i. 
The square footage of new dwelling units does not exceed 2,500 square feet or 50 percent of the total building square footage, whichever is greater;
ii. 
The building owner submits documentation, in a form acceptable to the city, showing the building's residential units' projected energy use intensity is less than or equal to the energy use intensity target in accordance with the clean buildings performance standard in RCW 19.27A.210; or
iii. 
In all areas zoned for residential housing, an additional housing unit is created within an existing home;
b. 
Not deny a building permit application for the addition of housing units within an existing building due to nonconformity regarding parking, height, setbacks, elevator size for gurney transport, or modulation, unless the director makes written findings that the nonconformity is causing a significant detriment to the surrounding area.
2. 
For retrofits of existing buildings to be used for residential housing:
a. 
The portion of exterior wall assemblies that includes insulation must be allowed to project up to an additional eight inches into the setbacks of the underlying zoning district on all sides;
b. 
The building must be allowed to exceed the maximum allowable roof height by eight inches to accommodate additional insulation; and
c. 
Gross floor area must be measured from the interior face of the exterior walls, which includes drywall, as typically depicted on the architectural floor plans.
3. 
For existing nonconforming buildings already projecting into setbacks, the portion of exterior wall assemblies that include insulation must be allowed to project up to an additional eight inches into the setbacks on all sides if the building is to be used for residential housing.
4. 
Nothing in this section requires the city to approve a building permit application for the addition of housing units constructed entirely within an existing building envelope in a building located within a zone that permits multifamily housing in cases in which the building cannot satisfy life safety standards.
5. 
Nothing in this section prohibits the city from applying the requirements of the building code, as adopted in this chapter.
B. 
New Construction or the Retrofit of Existing Buildings Meeting Passive House Requirements.
1. 
For the purpose of this subsection, "passive house requirements" means the criteria for certification as a passive house by Phius or the International Passive House Institute.
2. 
In any application for new construction or the retrofit of an existing building that meets passive house requirements, the building official shall:
a. 
Measure any required setback from the outside face of the foundation, and the portion of exterior wall assemblies that include insulation must be allowed to project up to eight inches into setbacks on all sides;
b. 
Allow the building to exceed the maximum allowable roof height by eight inches to accommodate additional insulation; and
c. 
Measure gross floor area from the interior face of the exterior walls, which includes drywall, as typically depicted on the architectural floor plans.
(Ord. 1745, 12/9/2025)
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 proof that such contractor is currently registered as required by law. All contractors shall have a city business license as per Chapter 5.08 BLMC.
(Ord. 700 § 1, 1995; Ord. 778 § 1, 1998)
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to violate any provision of this chapter, or any code adopted herein, or to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure within the city, or to use any land contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of this chapter, or any code adopted herein.
(Ord. 988 § 2, 2003; Ord. 700 § 1, 1995; Ord. 778 § 1, 1998)