Whatcom County hereby adopts the following codes, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council pursuant to Chapters 19.27 and 70.92 RCW or successor, for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures, including permits and penalties.
A. 
The 2021 International Building Code (IBC), including the 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), and including Appendices C, E, and J, as published by the International Code Council, hereinafter referred to as the IBC, as modified by Chapter 51-50 WAC or successor and as amended in WCC § 15.04.020 and § 15.04.050.
B. 
The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendices E, F, K, Q and U as published by the International Code Council (and as amended herein), hereinafter referred to as the IRC, and as modified by Chapter 51-51 WAC or successor and as amended in WCC § 15.04.030 and in WCC § 15.04.050, with the following additions, deletions and exceptions; provided, that Chapters 11 and 25 through 42 of this code are not adopted.
C. 
The 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), including Appendices B, C, and D and most current supplements, as published by the International Code Council, hereinafter referred to as the IFC, as modified by Chapter 51-54A WAC or successor and as amended in WCC § 15.04.040 and § 15.04.050.
D. 
The Washington Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WWUIC) as published by the International Code Council, hereinafter referred to as the WWUIC, as modified by Chapter 51-55 WAC promulgated by the State Building Code Council.
E. 
The 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), including adoption of 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 NFPA 58 and 2020 NFPA 54, as published by the International Code Council, hereinafter referred to as the IMC, as modified by Chapter 51-52 WAC and as amended by WCC § 15.04.050 or successor.
F. 
The standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be the 2021 Edition of NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and the 2021 Edition of ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code), adopted by reference in Chapter 51-52 WAC and as amended by WCC § 15.04.050 or successor.
G. 
The 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code Standards (IAPMO/ANSI UPC 1-2021), and/or all current referenced standards, and including Appendices A, B, I, and M, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, hereinafter referred to as the UPC, as modified by Chapter 51-56 WAC and as amended by WCC § 15.04.050 or successor.
H. 
The rules adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council establishing standards for making buildings and facilities accessible and usable by the physically disabled or elderly persons as provided in Chapter 51-50 WAC, IBC Chapters 10 and 11, IBC Appendix E, and ICC/ANSI A117.1 2009 or successor.
I. 
The 2021 Washington State Energy Code, per Chapter 51-11C WAC (Commercial Provisions), Chapter 51-11R WAC (Residential Provisions), and appendix chapters or successor, hereinafter referred to as the WSEC, promulgated by the State Building Code Council.
J. 
The Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, or successor.
K. 
Design data for Whatcom County shall be per WCC § 15.04.030(E)(1) (Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria).
(Ord. 2017-002 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 2021-007 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2024-019 § 1 (Exh. A))
The following words shall have the following meanings in this title and throughout the codes adopted in WCC § 15.04.010:
"Administrative authority"
is the department of planning and development services, the building services division, and the Whatcom County building official.
"Agricultural building"
means livestock shelters or buildings, including shade structures and milking barns; poultry buildings or shelters; barns; storage of equipment and machinery used exclusively in agriculture; horticultural structures, including detached production greenhouses and crop protection shelters; sheds; grain silos; and stables. (IBC Appendix C, Group U-Agricultural Buildings.)
"Agricultural processing building and/or facility"
means buildings/facilities where agricultural products are cooled, frozen or dried, and packaged in their otherwise unaltered, primary state for shipping to distribution sales outlets. Agricultural processing buildings/facilities may include conveyors, refrigeration equipment and rooms, other applicable processing or environmental mechanical equipment, offices, employee facilities, restrooms, product and product packaging storage, loading docks, and similar applicable accessory appurtenances.
Although agricultural processing buildings/facilities are determined by Whatcom County to be a Group U occupancy for purposes of determining fire flow requirements, they represent a more intensive use than agricultural buildings, based on the typical number of personnel (even if seasonal), type of equipment, and typical operations. Appropriate, applicable health, fire, and life/safety codes and regulations will be applied in the review process of these buildings/facilities.
Cooking, modifying, altering, combining, and/or other secondary food processing/manufacturing are not considered agricultural processing. The primary use for this type of processing is determined to be a Group F occupancy per applicable provisions of the IBC and other adopted codes and regulations.
"Building official"
is the director of the department of planning and development services or his/her designee. See WCC § 15.04.020, Amendments to the International Building Code (IBC).
"Building site"
is any site proposed for the location of a manufactured home, including sites within mobile home parks.
"Critical areas"
means those resource and hazard areas as designated in Chapter 16.16 WCC (Critical Areas).
"Director"
means the director of the Whatcom County department of planning and development services, or his/her designee.
Fire Chief.
Whenever the term "fire chief" is referenced in this code it shall mean the Whatcom County fire marshal (fire code official) or his/her designee, as identified in IFC Section 103, except as stated in IFC Section 104.11 and/or where the fire marshal has delegated a specific responsibility to the fire chief of a given fire district by verbal, written, and/or historic agreement.
Fire Code Official.
Whenever the term "fire code official" is referenced in this code it shall mean the Whatcom County fire marshal, or his/her designee, as identified in IFC Section 103.2 and as amended per WCC § 15.04.040.
"Fire flow"
means the flow rate of a water supply, measured at 20 pounds per square inch (psi) (138 kPa) residual pressure, that is available for firefighting.
"Fire-flow calculation area"
means the floor area, in square feet (m), used to determine the required fire flow.
"HUD"
is the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
"Installer"
shall either be the owner or a state-licensed mobile home installer.
"Manufactured home"
means a structure designed and built to comply with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industry's rules and regulations for manufactured homes and commercial coaches. It is also defined and cross-referenced per the current adopted edition of the IRC, Section R202 (Definitions, manufactured home).
"Mobile home"
is a transportable, factory-built dwelling unit constructed prior to June 15, 1976 (prior to enactment of National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards [NMHCSS] Act of 1974).
"Ordinary high water mark"
means the mark or line on all lakes, rivers, streams, and tidal water that will be found by examining the beds and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a character distinct from that of the abutting upland in respect to vegetation as that condition existed on June 1, 1971, as it may naturally change thereafter, or as it may change thereafter in accordance with approved development; provided, that in any area where the OHWM cannot be found, the OHWM adjoining saltwater shall be the line of mean higher high tide and the OHWM adjoining fresh water shall be the line of mean high water. For braided streams, the OHWM is found on the banks forming the outer limits of the depression within which the braiding occurs.
"Permanent foundation,"
in reference to manufactured homes, means concrete blocks on a concrete footing or slab, or other approved engineered foundation systems.
"Temporary growing structure"
means a structure used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits that has the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material, is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention, and has no mechanical or lighting systems associated with it. A temporary growing structure is not considered a building for purposes of this code.
"Tiny home"
means a single-family dwelling unit that is 400 square feet or less in floor area (excluding sleeping lofts). There are two types of tiny homes as described below. Any other form is considered a recreational vehicle.
1. 
Site-Built Tiny Home.
A tiny home built on site on a permanent foundation that meets the minimum requirements of the International Residential Code (IRC), including provisions of Appendix Q, and is reviewed and inspected by Whatcom County.
2. 
Manufactured Tiny Home.
A factory-built tiny home bearing a certification tag from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) or other approved third party inspection agency stating it is approved for use as a single-family residence per the current edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) or Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements. Manufactured tiny homes usually have wheels and a chassis when they come out of the factory, and typically have the wheels removed prior to placing it on its manufacturer-approved foundation.
(Ord. 2021-007 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2024-019 § 1 (Exh. A))
All applications for project permits shall be reviewed and processed in accordance with WCC Title 22 (Land Use and Development), except as otherwise stated within this title. Appeals of this title's fire and building code requirements shall be made by the hearing examiner, pursuant to the procedures in WCC § 22.05.160.
(Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2021-007 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2024-019 § 1 (Exh. A))
A. 
IBC Section 103 is amended as follows:
§103.1 Creation of Enforcement Agency. The Department of Building Safety is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official. The Department of Building Safety is hereby referred to as the Building Services Division of the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department (WCPDS).
§103.2 Appointment. The Director of Planning and Development Services is the Building Official. The Director may appoint an alternate designee at their discretion.
§103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the Building Official shall have the authority to appoint a Deputy Building Official, the related technical officers, inspectors, plans examiners, and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the Building Official.
B. 
IBC Section 104 is amended as follows:
1. 
Section 104.1 (General) is amended with the following additional language:
For matters related to flood review of building permits WCC Title 17 (Flood Damage Prevention) and WCC Chapter 16.16 (Critical Areas) shall control.
2. 
In Section 104.11 (Alternate Materials, Design and Methods of Construction), the last sentence is amended as follows:
Where the alternative material, design, or method of construction is not approved, the Building Official shall respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative was not approved, when a determination request is submitted to the Building Official in writing.
C. 
IBC Section 105 is amended as follows:
1. 
Section 105.1 (Required) is amended to include the following:
§105.1.3 Commercial project proposals require pre-screening for a waiver from or a pre-application meeting prior to permit application submittal. Pre-screening may be waived at the discretion of the Building Official for minor projects such as simple signs, single unit small equipment foundations, and projects of similar minor scale and impact. Information and document submittals for the purposes of waiver or pre-application are not intended to meet the standard for a complete permit application and do not constitute project vesting. However, information, requirements, and conditions received by the applicant(s) and/or their agents or consultants for a given project proposal, as part of the waiver or pre-application process, will be considered vested, regardless of change of adopted codes or regulations, if a complete permit application is received within 30 consecutive days from the date of waiver or pre-application meeting. Such information, requirements, and conditions are not intended or represented as a complete or comprehensive list of project requirements. Significant changes in the scope of a project proposal may require additional screening for another waiver or pre-application meeting.
§105.1.4 Whatcom County may require that a covenant or agreement be recorded against the deed(s) applicable to the location and/or operation of a given project to inform future property owners of the current restrictions or approved land uses. The County may draft the covenant or agreement upon whatever terms the County in its discretion deems proper.
§105.1.5 A coordinated master site plan (MSP), demonstrating consistency in the layout of the project proposal with all applicable regulatory requirements, is required to be submitted by the applicant and/or project design professional in substantial charge prior to permit issuance. In general, a coordinated MSP will be required for projects exceeding a construction value of $200,000, but may be required for any project the Building Official deems necessary. County staff will review the site plan(s) in the application file for regulatory conflicts and discrepancies prior to plan check. County staff will notify the applicant and/or design professional of identified conflicts or discrepancies to be reconciled. The master site plan may be one page which incorporates all applicable regulatory review overlays when practical. It may also include multiple overlay pages for readability purposes provided they have been verified by County staff for regulatory consistency. Once the coordinated MSP has been reviewed and approved, application review processing will continue.
§105.1.6 A state licensed contractor may obtain a permit, as required by the mechanical and plumbing codes, through electronic submittal applications for work not exceeding $10,000 valuation and not requiring plans and specifications and not in conflict with state or local zoning and environmental policies and with the prior approval of the Building Official.
§105.1.7 The applicant shall fill out, in full, the forms furnished for that purpose, and submit thereto the full amount of moneys that are required for fees as required in the respective codes. The application shall contain all information necessary for the lawful enforcement of the provisions of the respective codes. The applicant shall file all forms with applicable fees.
§105.1.8 No person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity shall perform work as provided herein until such time as they receive verification of approval of their application by the Building Official and have been given written notice of a valid permit.
2. 
IBC Section 105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit) is amended to read as follows:
Building:
1. One-story detached, non-habitable accessory structures without basements, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, including gazebos, arbors, pergolas, trellis or other shade structures without roofs or roof coverings, provided that:
a. The building footprint does not exceed 120 square feet (11 sq. m) measured outside wall to outside wall;
b. Accessory structures maintain a minimum separation of 20 feet [3,048 mm] between exterior walls, and a minimum separation of 16 feet [1829 mm] between eaves of adjacent buildings on the same property;
c. The accessory structure meets all applicable property line and critical areas setback requirements;
d. The maximum wall height is 10 feet (3,048 mm);
e. The maximum building height is 11 feet 6 inches (3,505 mm); and,
f. The maximum eave overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).
2. Fences not over 7 feet (2,134 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that do not retain more than 4 feet (1,219 mm) of unbalanced back fill in height differential measured from the lower finished ground level and the upper finished ground level, unless supporting surcharge, or grades exceeding a 1:3 slope above or below the wall or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
4. 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 to 1.
5. Sidewalks, walking surfaces, and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. Does not include decks, platforms or stages for public use or viewing.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
7. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
8. Prefabricated swimming pools assembled entirely above-ground and accessory to a Group R-3. (See Section R105.2, #7) All other pools shall be installed per the current International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).
9. Shade cloth or soft cover structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including mechanical service systems (fans or heat). (See Definition "Temporary growing structure".)
10. Swings and other playground equipment compliant with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Public Playground Safety Handbook and ADA requirements.
11. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
12. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height.
13. Bridges, box culverts, and similar passageway structures built over depressions or obstacles, hereinafter referred to as bridges, are structures and may be deemed as exempt as interpreted and quantified in Building Services Division Code Interpretation #2002-05. All other bridges shall be designed and constructed per the current adopted Whatcom County Development Standards (WCDS), Chapter 5 (Road Standards), §513 (Bridges and Associated Retaining Walls), and per applicable portions of IFC §503. Bridges constructed as a requirement or condition of subdivision or short subdivision approval per, WCC Title 21 (Land Division Regulations), and which must receive final approval from the Public Works Technical Administrator, shall be deemed by the Building Official to have met the permit requirements per IBC §105. The Technical Administrator is designated as the County Engineer, per WCDS Chapter 5 (Road Standards), §502.
14. Temporary construction site office and storage structures placed at a permitted job site during construction may be allowed on a temporary basis and shall be removed upon final approval of the construction and prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy. A temporary construction site office or storage structure is a portable structure for which the primary purpose is to securely house equipment and supplies, and which may serve as a temporary office during construction of a project.
3. 
Section 105.3 (Application for Permit) is amended to replace the first paragraph with the following:
To obtain the permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form provided by the Department and shall include all items as stated in the Department's Administrative Manual. Such applications shall:
4. 
Section 105.5 (Expiration) is amended to read as follows:
§105.5 IBC, Permit Expiration: Per WCC, Section 15.04.050.
5. 
Section 107.2 (Construction Documents) is amended to include the following:
§107.2.7 Construction documents may be submitted in Standard English or Metric measurement. However, the Building Official may require, at his/her discretion, that any Metric construction documents be converted by the applicant to Standard English measurement, which then may be submitted independently or in tandem with Metric documents.
6. 
Section 109.6 (Refunds) is amended to include the following policy:
§109.6.1 The refund policy applies to the current editions and amends the respective Sections of the IBC, §109; IRC, §R108.5; IFC, §113.5; IMC, §106.5.3; IF-GC, §106.6.3; and UPC §103.4.5, as adopted per WCC § 15.04.010.
§109.6.2 The Building Official may authorize refunding any fee hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected at 100%.
§109.6.3 The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the fee paid for a building permit when no work has been done under a building permit issued in accordance with the current editions listed in this policy.
§109.6.4 The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the plan review fee paid when an application for a building permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or cancelled before any plan reviewing is done.
§109.6.5 The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid, except upon written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
7. 
Section 113 (Board of Appeals) is amended as follows:
Regarding the following code sections; IBC 113, IRC R112, IFC 109, UPC 107, IEBC 112, IMC 109, IFGC 109; "Board of Appeals" or "Means of Appeal" shall be replaced with the following paragraph:
The Hearing Examiner shall have jurisdiction over any appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made pursuant to this Title, pursuant WCC § 22.05.160. The County does not adopt any section regarding or referring to a Board of Appeals.
D. 
Appendix J (Grading) is adopted and amended as follows:
1. 
Section J101 (General) is amended to include an additional paragraph to read as follows:
§J101.3 The Director of Planning and Development Services is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of IBC Appendix J (Grading), as amended herein. The Director shall have the authority to render interpretations of the amended Appendix and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of amended Appendix J. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in amended Appendix J.
2. 
Section J102.1, Definitions, is amended to add the following sentence:
Words not defined herein shall be as defined in WCC § 15.04.012 (Definitions).
3. 
The following shall be added to Section J103.1:
Upon receipt of a fill and grade permit application on properties within 500 feet of a site known to contain archaeological resources that are outside of the Shoreline Management Program Jurisdiction (WCC Title 23) and/or the Point Roberts Special District (WCC Chapter 20.72), the County shall notify the applicant that the project's location is within an archaeologically sensitive area and Federal, State and Tribal Laws and Regulations pertaining to cultural resources may apply.
4. 
The numbered exemption list of Section J103.2 (Exemptions) is amended as follows:
1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public; that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties or critical areas; that the activity occurs outside of the jurisdiction of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23); and that fill does not exceed 250 cubic yards; and is associated with a residence authorized by a valid building permit.
2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code, provided that said construction has been duly reviewed for compliance with the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23) and the Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance (WCC Chapter 16.16).
3. Cemetery graves.
4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by and appropriately permitted in accordance with other regulations.
5. Excavations for wells or trenches for utilities, provided the activity occurs outside of the jurisdiction of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23) and there are no adverse impacts to critical areas.
6. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing, or stockpiling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate, or clay controlled by other regulations, provided the activity occurs outside of the jurisdiction of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23) and such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in soil on adjoining properties or adversely impact critical areas.
7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design professional provided that said excavations have been duly reviewed for compliance with the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23) or critical areas regulations (WCC Chapter 16.16).
8. A fill less than 1 foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 1 unit vertical in 5 units horizontal (20% slope) or less than 3 feet in depth, not intended to support structures, that does not exceed 50 cubic yards on any one lot, and does not obstruct a drainage course or otherwise impact critical areas, provided the activity occurs outside of the jurisdiction of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
9. Exemptions listed per WCC § 20.80.733 (Land Clearing Exemptions).
5. 
The following requirements are added to Section J104.2 (Site Plan Requirements):
1. In addition to the provisions of §107, a grading plan shall show the existing grade and finished grade in contour intervals of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work, and show in detail that it complies with the requirements of this code.
2. The plans shall show the existing grade on adjoining properties in sufficient detail to identify how grade changes will conform to the requirements of this code.
3. The plans shall show erosion control types and locations, natural features (slopes, streams, wetlands, ponds, etc.), forested or treed areas, ditches, culverts, wet areas, flow directions, critical area boundaries, the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of any water body regulated by the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program, and any other information deemed necessary by the Building Official.
6. 
Section J104.3 (Geotechnical Report) is amended as follows:
When required by the Director, a geotechnical report shall be provided consistent with WCC § 16.16.375 (Geologically Hazardous Areas – Review and Reporting Requirements).
7. 
Add the following as Section J104.5 (Surface Mining Report):
Grading permit plans associated with surface mining shall be consistent with a surface mining reclamation plan as required and approved by the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
(Ord. 2017-002 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 2018-020 Exh. A; Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2021-007 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2024-019 § 1 (Exh. A))
A. 
In Section R104.11 (Alternative Materials and Methods of Construction and Equipment), the last sentence is amended as follows:
Where the alternative material, design, or method of construction is not approved, the Building Official shall respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative was not approved, when a determination request is submitted to the Building Official in writing.
B. 
Section R105.1 (Required) is amended as follows:
§R105.1.1 Whatcom County may require that a covenant or agreement be recorded against the deed(s) applicable to the location and/or operation of a given project to inform future property owners of the current restrictions or approved land uses. The County may draft the covenant or agreement upon whatever terms the County in its discretion deems proper.
C. 
Section R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit) is amended to read as follows:
1. One-story detached, non-habitable accessory structures without basements, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, including gazebos, trellis, pergolas and arbors; provided that:
a. The building footprint does not exceed 200 square feet (18.6 sq. m) measured outside wall to outside wall;
b. Accessory structures maintain a minimum separation of 10 feet [3,048 mm] between exterior walls, and a minimum separation of 6 feet [1829 mm] between eaves of adjacent buildings on the same property;
c. The accessory structure meets all applicable setback requirements;
d. The maximum wall height is 10 feet (3,048 mm);
e. The maximum building height is 11 feet 6 inches (3,505 mm); and,
f. The maximum eave overhang is 24 inches (610 mm).
2. Fences not over 7 feet (2,134 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that do not retain more than 4 feet (1,219 mm) of unbalanced back fill in height differential measured from the lower finished ground level and upper finished ground level, unless supporting a surcharge, or grades exceeding a 1:3 slope above or below the wall or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks, walking surfaces, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
7. Pre-fabricated pools; provided that all of the following apply:
a. Assembled fully above grade and not on a platform or deck.
b. No platform or deck within 6 feet of the pool
c. Less than 24 inches deep. Or less than 5000 gallons
d. Is accessory to a single-family residence
All other pools shall be installed per the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).
8. Swings and other playground equipment associated with a single-family residence.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
10. Uncovered decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 sq. m) in area, that are no more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling or accessory structure, and do not serve the exit door required by §R311.4.
11. Flag poles not over 25 feet (7,620 mm) in height. Flag poles must meet property line setbacks.
D. 
In Section R105.3 (Application for Permit) the first paragraph is replaced with the following:
To obtain the permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form provided by the Department and shall include all items as stated in the Department's Administrative Manual. Such application shall:
E. 
R105.5 Expirations: Permit Expiration: Per Section 15.04.050.
F. 
Section 301.2 (Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria) is amended as follows:
1. Figure R301.2(6) shall be interpreted using Table 1, below.
Table 1. Ground Snow Load, January 1997
Whatcom County
Approx. Average Elevation (feet above mean sea level)
Revised Ground Snow Load (psf)
Revised Roof Snow Load (psf)
Acme
310
22
25
Bellingham
100
15
25
Blaine
45
16
25
Deming
210
24
25
Diablo
910
100
100
Ferndale
60
20
25
Glacier
900
74
74
Lawrence
145
24
25
Lynden
103
24
25
Maple Falls
643
77
77
Mt. Baker Ski Area
4,200
588
588
Newhalem
510
129
129
Nooksack
84
24
25
Sumas
36
24
25
Wickersham
310
28
28
Kendall
460
50
Paradise
460
50
Pt. Roberts
120
25
2. Notes on Table 1 Ground Snow Load:
a. Any proposal can challenge the above design load with engineer or architect stamped and signed calculations and criteria.
b. Buildings where the roof snow load exceeds 30 psf may require architect or engineer review.
c. Recommendations are valid for the recognized central area of each regional designation. Building Services reserves the right to adjust the roof snow load based on building location and/or criteria per the 2021 IBC and/or the most current edition of the Snow Load Analysis for Washington.
3. Other design criterial shall be as follows:
a. Wind Speed (mph): IRC – Vult = 110 mph [Figure R301.2(4)B]. Vult = IBC Risk Category 1 – 100 mph [Figure 1609.3(3)]; IBC Risk Category II – 110 mph [Figure 1609.3(1)]; IBC Risk Category III and IV – 115 mph [Figure 1609.3(2)].
b. Seismic Design: Zone D0/D1; Design Category D (See IBC §1613 and/or ASCE 7)
c. Subject to Damage from Weathering: Moderate
d. Frost Line Depth: 18" (west of longitude 122° 54' 30", approximately at mile post 35 of State Route 542, Mt. Baker Highway)
e. Termite: None
f. Decay: Moderate
g. Winter Design Temp: 19° F
h. Ice Shield Underlayment Req.: No
i. Air Freezing Index: 260
j. Mean Annual Temperature: 48° F
G. 
IRC Appendix E (Manufactured Homes) is entirely replaced with the following:
This chapter is enacted as an exercise of the police power of the County for the benefit of the public at large. It is not intended to create a special relationship with any individual or individuals, nor to identify and protect any particular class of persons.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health or property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the installation of manufactured homes on building sites within the county.
It is not the intent of this chapter to impose liability upon the County for failure to perform any discretionary act. Rather, it is the intent of this chapter to place the obligation of complying with its requirements upon the installer. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to relieve from or to lessen the responsibility or liability of any person for injury or damage to persons or property caused by or resulting from any defect of any nature in any manufactured home installation work performed by said person or in any manufactured home installation equipment owned, controlled, operated, or used by him/her; nor shall Whatcom County, or any officer, agent, or employee thereof, incur or be held as assuming any liability by reason or in consequence of any permission, certificate of inspection, inspection, or approval authorized herein, or issued or given as herein provided, or by reasons or consequence of any things done or acts performed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
1) SCOPE
This chapter sets forth rules and regulations to regulate and control the installation of manufactured homes on building sites, establishes an administrative procedure for the issuance of permits, and provides for the inspection of manufactured home installations.
2) DEFINITIONS
Words shall be as defined in WCC § 15.04.012 (Definitions).
3) GENERAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
a. Manufactured homes installed on building sites shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and all applicable local, state, and federal codes, ordinances, and statutes.
b. Manufactured homes shall be installed in compliance with the manufacturer's installation recommendations or according to NCSBCS/ANSI A225.1-1994 (Permanent Foundation Requirements). The manufacturer or dealer shall send copies of its approved installation recommendations to the purchaser of the manufactured home and copies shall be submitted with the building permit application.
c. No person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity may install a manufactured home unless s/he owns the manufactured home or is a licensed manufactured home installer. A homeowner may install their own manufactured home per WAC 296-1501-0110 once they have taken and passed trainings and testing as provided by the Department of Labor and Industries. A homeowner is allowed to install one home for their personal use under their one-time certification.
d. All manufactured home installations shall comply with the requirements of the IRC §R403.1.7.3 (Foundation Elevation) and with the following:
i. On graded sites, the top of any exterior foundation shall extend above the elevation of the street gutter at point of discharge or the inlet of an approved drainage device a minimum of 12 inches plus 2 percent. The Building Official may approve alternate elevations, provided it can be demonstrated that required drainage to the point of discharge and away from the structure is provided at all locations on the site.
ii. The following provisions shall be made to prevent standing water under and around a building or structure prior to the final inspection:
A. The finished grade and elevation under the building shall be above the ground drainage flow of the land around the building to prevent surface or sub-surface water from draining to the space under the building, provided that other approved alternates such as drain tile, exterior grading to a point lower than the interior drainage of the building or an approved sump pump may be used, and provided further that the alternate method to be used shall be shown on the building plans.
B. An approved sump pump system shall in no case be connected to the sanitary sewer system. In all instances where a drainage or sump pump system is installed under the structure there shall be provided, in the foundation wall, an access crawl hole which shall be no more than 20 feet from the main drain cleanout.
C. To facilitate the drainage of water, the building site shall have at least a 2% gradient towards approved drainage facilities from building pads. However, this may be waived by the Building Official provided that the permittee can demonstrate that due to the nature of the site this would be impractical and that an approved alternate will be used.
D. If water appears under the building within a period of 12 months after the final inspection of the building or structure, the builder shall be responsible for providing the drainage of the same, and provided further that the builder has not complied with the requirements of §1804.7 herein, concerning drainage. Thereafter, the owner of the building shall be responsible for providing drainage of the same, except where owner and builder agree otherwise.
e. In those areas that are recognized as floodplains by the Washington State Department of Ecology or the Department of Homeland Security, or hazardous because of the probability of earthquakes, ground slides, avalanches, or high winds, the Building Official may set requirements that are necessary to lessen the hazards. Manufactured homes installed on sites that are sloping or have poor drainage shall be installed in accordance with installation recommendations provided by a professional engineer or architect licensed in the state of Washington.
f. Manufactured homes in a floodplain must be installed per the applicable provisions of Whatcom County Code, Title 17, Flood Damage Prevention, and per associated requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
g. Used mobile homes older than 1976 require a fire/life safety inspection by the State Department of Labor & Industries prior to building permit submittal.
4) PERMITS REQUIRED
No person, firm, or corporation shall install or cause to be installed any manufactured home on a building site without having first obtained a building permit, and a manufactured home dealer shall not deliver a manufactured home to a building site until that dealer has verified that the installer has obtained the necessary building permits.
5) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the manufactured home permit application and issuance regulations, the following shall apply to manufactured home installations:
a. A separate application shall be required for each manufactured home installation. The application shall be made upon forms provided by the Department and shall be accompanied by the permit fee established herein.
b. Each application shall be accompanied by a plot plan drawn to scale with detail sufficient to show that the installation will meet siting requirements of all applicable state and local regulations. The plot plan shall show all existing and proposed structures, including decks and porches.
c. Construction plans and details for all proposed non-exempt landings, open decks, covered decks, and stairs shall be provided with the application
d. Applications for manufactured homes shall be accompanied by foundation plans for a permanent foundation.
6) INSPECTION
Approved installation specifications shall be available at the site at the time of inspection of the installation. In the event that no approved installation specifications are available or the approved specifications as provided above do not cover all the installation requirements of this chapter, then the total installation of the portions thereof not covered by the approved specifications shall comply with the appropriate provisions of this code.
a. The installer of the manufactured/ mobile home shall request the following inspections:
i. Footing inspection, after the placement of the footing forms and rebar but prior to pouring concrete or placing the footings.
ii. Tie-down, blocking, and vapor barrier inspection,
iii. Final inspection, after all aspects of the installation have been completed.
iv. All requests for inspection shall be made one working day before such inspection is desired.
b. The manufactured/mobile home may be occupied once the installation has passed final inspection for compliance with the requirements of this chapter and any conditions placed upon the issued permit.
c. If the installation does not comply with the installation requirements of this chapter and the conditions of the installation permit, the local enforcement agency shall provide the installer with a list of corrections that the installer must make. The list of corrections shall state a date by which the corrections must be completed. If the items that require correction do not endanger the health or safety of the occupants, or substantially affect the habitability of the manufactured/mobile home, the local enforcement agency may permit the owner of the home to occupy it.
7) BUILDING SITE PREPARATION
A manufactured home may not be installed on a building site unless the ground at the site has adequate compaction and load-bearing ability to meet the support requirements of WCC § 15.04.030(F)(3)(d) or, if the building site is in a mobile home park, the park owner must insure that the ground on which the mobile home is to be installed has been improved as necessary to provide a proper base for the mobile home and that the area beneath the mobile home has adequate drainage.
8) FOUNDATION SYSTEM FOOTINGS
a. Footings shall be constructed of solid concrete per the manufacturer's installation specifications or an approved alternate method.
b. Foundations placed in flood zones or floodplains shall be installed per WCC § 15.04.030(F)(3)(e and f) and may require an engineers' review for the design.
c. Footings shall be:
i. Evenly bedded and level;
ii. Placed on firm, undisturbed or compacted soil that is free of organic material;
iii. Spaced not more than eight feet apart and no more than two feet from the ends of the main frame. The Building Official may require a closer spacing, depending on the load bearing capacity of the soil or the specifications in the manufactured home installation manual.
d. A manufactured home with more than one section must have centerline blocking at end walls and at other points of connection of the sections that have ridge beam bearing support. Blocking is also required at both ends of a door opening that is six or more feet wide in an exterior wall.
e. If a manufactured home requires footings on its exterior perimeter, as specified by the installation recommendations or required by the Building Official, the footings shall be installed below the frost line.
f. Footings shall be constructed so that 75% of the area under the manufactured home has at least 18 inches clearance between the bottom of the main chassis members and the ground level. The area beneath the furnace cross-overs and fireplaces must always have at least 18 inches clearance. At no point under the manufactured home may clearance be less than 12 inches.
9) FOUNDATION SYSTEM PIERS
a. An installer must build and position piers and load-bearing supports or devices to distribute the required load evenly. An installer must use manufactured piers or load-bearing supports or devices that are listed or approved for the intended use.
b. A pier may be made of a single stack of 8-inch by 16-inch blocks if the blocks are not stacked more than four blocks high. A pier made of a single stack of blocks shall be installed at a right angle to the main frame longitudinal members and shall be capped with no more than 2-inch by 8-inch by 16-inch wood blocks or one 4-inch by 8-inch by 16-inch concrete block.
c. A pier may be made of a double stack of 8-inch by 8-inch by 10-inch blocks if the blocks are not stacked more than five blocks high. Each row of blocks in such a pier shall be stacked at right angles to the abutting rows of blocks. The pier shall be capped with 2-inch by 8-inch by 16-inch concrete blocks. The pier shall be installed so that the joint between the cap block is at right angle to the main frame longitudinal members.
d. A pier may be made with more than five courses of blocks, not to exceed 9 (72 inches) courses of block, if the stacked blocks are filled with 2,000 psi concrete or mortar and no more than 20% of the piers exceed five courses (40"). All other systems shall be designed by a licensed Washington state engineer or architect.
e. All blocks shall be set with cores placed vertically.
10) FOUNDATION SYSTEM PLATES AND SHIMS
An installer may fill a gap between the top of a pier and the main frame with a wood plate that is not more than two inches thick and two opposing wedge-shaped shims that are not more than two inches thick. Wood plates and shims must be of hemlock/fir, Douglas fir, or spruce/pine/fir. A shim shall be at least four inches wide and six inches long. The installer shall fit the shim properly and drive it tight between the wood plate or pier and the main frame to ensure that the manufactured home is level and properly supported at all load-bearing points. A block that abuts a wedge-shaped shim shall be solid.
11) FOUNDATION
A manufactured home shall have an approved skirting around its entire perimeter. The wood of the skirting shall be at least six inches from the ground unless it is pressure-treated wood. Metal fasteners shall be hot dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or other corrosive-resistant material. Ferrous metal members in contact with the earth, other than those that are galvanized or stainless steel, shall be coated with asphaltic emulsion. A manufactured home that is installed shall have ventilation openings with a net area of one square foot per 150 square feet of crawl space; except manufactured homes installed in the floodplain shall have ventilation openings with a net area of 1 square inch per 1 square foot of crawlspace installed within 1 foot of finished grade. The openings shall be designed to provide cross ventilation on at least two approximately opposite sides of the manufactured home. The installer shall locate openings as close to the corner of the manufactured home as practical and shall cover the opening with a corrosive-resistant wire mesh. Dryer vents and hot water tank pressure release valves shall exhaust on the exterior of the perimeter skirting. The skirting for each section of the manufactured home shall have an opening of at least 18 inches by 24 inches with a cover of metal or pressure-treated wood to allow access to the crawl space. In all cases the foundation shall be installed before a final sign off can be made.
12) ANCHORING SYSTEM
The Building Official shall require a single-section or multiple-section manufactured home to have an anchoring system. Such an anchoring system shall be installed per the manufactured installation specifications or according to the design of a professional Washington State licensed engineer or architect. Components of the anchoring system shall have a resistance to weather deterioration that is at least equal to that of a zinc coating that is not less than 0.3 inches per square foot of coated surface. Cut edges of zinc-coated strapping do not need to be coated.
a. An installer shall install, preload, and adjust a ground anchor in accordance with the anchor manufacturer's instructions. The installer must supply a copy of the instructions to the Building Official. Ground anchors shall be marked with the manufacturer's identification and model number in a location that is visible to the inspector after the anchor is installed. The manufacturer of a ground anchor must provide instructions with each anchor that specifies the kinds of soils for which the anchor is suitable. Analysis from a Washington State licensed engineer may be required.
b. If concrete slabs or continuous footings are used to transfer the anchoring loads to the ground, the following requirements apply:
i. Engineered tie-down systems shall be per approved details from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
ii. A concrete slab may be used in place of a ground anchor if it provides holding strength equal to the required ground anchors.
iii. Analysis from a Washington State licensed engineer may be required.
c. Ties shall be of approved strapping, or other approved materials. Ties shall be fastened to the ground anchors and drawn tight with turnbuckles, yoke fasteners, or other approved tension devices. Tension devices shall end in clevis, forged, or welded eyes. Tension devices shall be designed to prevent self-disconnection if the ties become slack. Ties shall connect the ground anchors to the main frame longitudinal members. Ties must not connect to steel outrigger beams that fasten to the main frame unless the manufacturer's installation instructions specifically approve the connection. Diagonal ties must lie at least 45 degrees from the vertical.
d. The installer shall space the ties as evenly as practical and shall locate a tie within eight feet of each end of the manufactured home. The installer shall install vertical ties at each detached corner of a clerestory roof and added-on sections of expandable manufactured homes. The installer shall install the following number of ties for each I-beam or other main frame longitudinal member according to the manufacturer's specifications or per NCSBCS/ANSI A225.1-1994, as indicated in the following chart:
Length of home in feet (excluding hitch)
Number of vertical ties per detached corner of add-ons
Number of diagonal ties
32 – 54
1
5
55 – 73
1
6
13) ASSEMBLY
The water pipe connection to the manufactured home shall have a main shutoff valve in compliance with the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, §606. Exterior water lines and ducting under the manufactured home shall be insulated. In all other respects, utility connections to the manufactured home, including water, sewer, electricity, and gas, shall comply with the applicable County codes. Accessory structures such as awnings, carports, garages, porches, or steps attached to or located next to a home shall be constructed in conformance with applicable County codes and structurally independent of the manufactured home unless pre-approved by the manufacturer.
(Ord. 2017-002 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 2018-020 Exh. A; Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2021-007 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2024-019 § 1 (Exh. A))
A. 
Section 102.2 (Administrative, Operational and Maintenance Provisions) is amended to read as follows:
To provide a reasonable degree of safety to persons occupying existing buildings, there shall be a fire code inspection, at times to be determined by the Whatcom County Fire Marshal, for all Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, and U occupancies. Only R-3 Occupancies containing the following shall be subject to fire code inspections: adult family homes, family daycare homes, and adult and child care facilities, as defined in Chapter 2 (Definitions) as amended by Washington State.
B. 
Section 103.1 (General) is amended to read as follows:
The Department of Fire Prevention, hereinafter referred to as the Fire Marshal's Office, is established within the jurisdiction under the direction of the Fire Code Official, hereinafter referred to as the Fire Marshal. The function of the Office shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this code. Recognizing the authority and responsibility vested in the Fire Marshal by the International Fire Code, the Fire Marshal is authorized to promulgate such rules, policies, and/or procedures as s/he deems necessary for the efficient operation of fire prevention and investigations.
C. 
Section 103.2 (Appointment) is amended to read as follows:
The Fire Marshal is the Director of Planning and Development Services, except that a Fire Marshal and/or Deputy Fire Marshal may be appointed by the Director. The Fire Marshal/Deputy Fire Marshal shall be not less than a supervisor within the Building Services Division of the Whatcom County Department of Planning & Development Services, as designated by the Director. The Fire Marshal for Whatcom County is authorized to enforce the provisions of this ordinance and adopted referenced codes and amendments.
D. 
Section 104.1 (General) is amended with the following additional paragraphs:
The provisions of RCW 18.160.070 and the Levels of Licensing required by the State Fire Marshal's Office will be enforced by the Whatcom County Fire Marshal's Office as specified, including but not limited to work performed by contractors and/or documentation verifying compliance with current licensing requirements. Issuance of permits may be withheld due to lack of compliance with these provisions.
It is the interpretation and determination of the Whatcom County Fire Marshal that the "installation of underground work of any kind for any kind of structure" applies to the installation of fire protection systems connected to or integral to a fire protection sprinkler system. A Level U license from the State Fire Marshal's office shall be required. The Fire Marshal, at his/her discretion, may require a Level U license for any underground work determined at any stage of installation to be substantially and/or consistently substandard.
E. 
In Section 104.9 (Alternate Materials and Methods), the last sentence is amended as follows:
Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is not approved, the Fire Marshal shall respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative was not approved, when a determination request is submitted to the Fire Marshal in writing.
F. 
Section 104.10 (Fire Investigation) is amended to read as follows:
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office shall have the authority to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire, explosion or other hazardous conditions. Information that could be related to trade secrets or processes shall not be made part of the public record except as directed by a court of law.
G. 
Section 104.10.1 (Assistance from Other Agencies) is amended with the following additional language:
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office shall have the authority to render necessary assistance in the investigation of origin and cause of fires. All other powers and duties of the investigation shall remain the duty of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Offices. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal has been appointed to assist in the investigation of origin and cause of any fire, explosion, or other hazardous condition and for the purpose of administering this code. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal's Office shall have the authority to render assistance in the investigation of origin and cause of fires as warranted if necessary, including the Sheriff's Office or other outside agencies as duly trained and certified.
H. 
Section 105.7.1 (Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems) is amended with the addition of the following language:
Commercial cooking arrays require permanently affixed signage that states: "Alteration of commercial cooking arrays is prohibited without prior review and approval from the Whatcom County Fire Marshal." Sign location to be determined by the Fire Marshal.
I. 
Section 105.7.9 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids) is amended as follows:
3. To install, alter, remove, abandon, or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank. Abandoned underground fuel tanks are required to be removed according to all applicable codes and safety standards except under special circumstances, such as steep or extreme topography, significant physical obstructions, or similar circumstances, as approved per the discretion and judgment of the Fire Marshal.
J. 
Section 109.1 (Board of Appeals) is amended to read as follows:
Regarding the following code sections; IBC 113, IRC R112, IFC 109, UPC 107, IEBC 112, IMC 109, IFGC 109; "Board of Appeals" or "Means of Appeal" shall be replaced with the following paragraph:
The Hearing Examiner shall have jurisdiction over any appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made pursuant to this Title, pursuant WCC § 22.05.160. The County does not adopt any section regarding or referring to a Board of Appeals.
K. 
Section 202 (General Definitions) is amended to add the following sentence:
Words not defined herein shall be as defined in WCC § 15.04.012 (Definitions).
L. 
Chapter 5 is amended to include adoption of all sections of the chapter not adopted by Washington State Amendments, Chapter 51-54A WAC, as authorized per RCW 19.27.060(5).
M. 
Appendix B (Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings) is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
§B101 GENERAL
B101.1 Scope. The procedure for determining fire flow requirements for buildings or portions of building hereafter constructed shall be in accordance with this appendix. This appendix does not apply to structures other than buildings.
§B102 DEFINITIONS
B102.1 Definitions. Words shall be as defined in WCC § 15.04.012 (Definitions).
§B103 MODIFICATIONS
§B103.1 (Decreases).
The Fire Marshal is authorized to reduce the fire-flow requirements for isolated buildings or a group of buildings in rural areas or small communities where the development of full fire-flow requirements is impractical. This may include consideration of alternative materials and methods where the Fire Marshal finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method, or work is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire-resistance, durability, and safety.
B103.2 Increases. The Fire Code Official is authorized to increase the fire flow requirements where conditions indicate an unusual susceptibility to group fires or conflagrations. An increase shall be not more than twice that required for the building under construction.
B103.3 Areas without water supply systems. For information regarding water supplies for fire-fighting purposes in rural and suburban areas in which adequate and reliable water supply systems do not exist, the fire marshal is authorized to utilize NFPA 1142.
SECTION B104 FIRE-FLOW CALCULATION AREA
§B104.1 (General)
B104.1.1 The fire-flow calculation area shall be the total floor area of all floor levels within the exterior walls, and under horizontal projections of the roof of a building (such as a connecting breezeway), otherwise including only areas that are fully enclosed on all sides and which have a full ceiling height. Full ceiling height means an average (50% or more) ceiling height of 6 (six) feet – 8 (eight) inches (203.3 cm), including under-floor areas that are accessed by a side-hinged man door, sliding door, overhead door, or similar standard height access. The calculation area is measured to the outside surface of exterior and/or enclosure walls.
B104.1.2 In general, commercial and industrial structures will be measured using the same method as for residential/accessory buildings, except that structures will also be judged according to their use and corresponding hazard, according to the applicable codes in the IFC and IBC, and according to the judgment and discretion of the Fire Marshal. As such area may be calculated for roof only (open sided) structures, covered open/partially open portions of buildings, to the outside edge of eaves, and/or for uncovered portions of structures (decks, balconies, loading docks, etc.) on a case-by-case basis where, in the discretion of the Fire Marshal, it is warranted to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the public, building occupants, and/or emergency responders.
B104.2 Area Separation. Portions of buildings that are separated by fire walls without openings, constructed in accordance with the International Building Code, are allowed to be considered as separate fire-flow calculation areas.
B104.3 Type IA and Type IB Construction. The fire-flow calculation area of buildings constructed of Type IA and Type IB construction shall be the area of the three largest successive floors.
Exception: Fire-flow calculation area for open parking garages shall be determined by the area of the largest floor.
SECTION B105 FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
§B105.1 (One- and Two-Family Dwellings).
B105.1.1 The minimum fire flow and flow duration requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures having a fire-flow calculation area—including both existing and new proposed building area—that measures in excess of 4,000 square feet (371.6 m2) for one-and-two family dwellings or in excess of 2,500 square feet (232.3 M2) for detached residential accessory structures containing habitable space shall be 500 GPM @ 20 psi for 1 hour. For a fire hydrant to qualify for fire-flow it shall be located with 600 feet along an accessible route (driveway or road) measured to the center of the structure.
B105.1.2 An NFPA 13D automatic sprinkler system throughout the measured fire area of a residence and/or residential accessory building qualifies as 100% reduction/mitigation in fire flow when the requirement threshold is exceeded.
B105.1.3 An NFPA 13-D automatic sprinkler system is required throughout all dwellings with a measured fire area exceeding 8,000 square feet. In addition, fire-flow for dwellings with a fire-flow calculation area exceeding 8,000 square feet (743.2 m2), shall not be less than that specified in Table B105.1, as amended by Whatcom County, except that the flow duration may be a minimum of one hour.
Exception: For Single Family Residences, where the addition of an attached garage results in a total building area exceeding 8,000 square feet (743.2m2), where a fire flow system consisting of a water storage tank, fire pump, and a hydrant would be required, all of the following shall be installed to relieve the fire flow requirements only (a sprinkler system would still be required for the entire structure). If the total building area is over 10,000 sf (929m2) this exception does not apply.
i. Full two-hour fire rated construction that separates the garage from the house. The fire wall shall be designed per IBC §706, except that there shall only be one opening allowed in the fire-rated construction between the house and garage. The maximum size of the opening shall accommodate one 3'-0" x 6'-8" man door. The man door shall be two-hour fire rated assembly and have an automatic closing device. No other openings are allowed in the fire-rated construction between the garage and house.
ii. An NFPA 13D automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the house and attached garage (entire structure).
iii. The water storage for the sprinkler system shall be designed to twice the calculated required amount.
§B105.2 (Buildings other than One- and Two-Family Dwellings)
B105.2.1 The minimum fire-flow and flow duration requirements for non-habitable, private garages, detached shops, agricultural storage buildings (Group U occupancy) shall be 500 GPM @ 20 psi for 1 hour.
Exception: Fire-flow is not required if the structure meets one of the following criteria:
1. It does not exceed 2,500 square feet (232.3 m2).
2. It is protected by an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.
3. It has, at a minimum, 60-foot setbacks from all property lines and other structures on the same lot. Setback measurement may include the full width of an adjacent public way, no-build easement recorded with the Auditor to run concurrent with the deed, or similar instrument or provision acceptable to the Fire Marshal.
4. It has, at a minimum, 100-foot setbacks to all property lines and other structures on the same lot for buildings which include hay storage, other combustible fibers, the potential for loose combustible fibers, and/or the potential for combustible dust (IFC Sections 2204 and 3704.1; NFPA 61). Setback measurement may include the full width of an adjacent public way, no-build easement recorded with the Auditor to run concurrent with the deed, or similar instrument or provision acceptable to the Fire Marshal.
B105.2.2 The minimum fire-flow and flow duration requirements for agricultural processing buildings not exceeding 6,000 square feet (557.4 m2) shall be 500 GPM @ 20 psi for 1 hour. If the building exceeds 6,000 square feet (557.4 m2), Table B105.1, as amended by Whatcom County, shall apply except that, at the discretion of the Fire Marshal, where adequate and reliable water supply systems do not exist the duration may be reduced by up to 50%, but not to be reduced to below a duration of 1 hour.
Exception: Fire-flow is not required if the structure meets one of the following criteria:
1. It does not exceed 2,500 square feet (232.3 m2), in measured fire area.
2. It has, at a minimum, 60-foot setbacks to all property lines and other structures on the same lot. Setback measurement may include the full width of an adjacent public way, no-build easement recorded with the Auditor to run concurrent with the deed, or similar instrument or provision acceptable to the Fire Marshal.
3. The building is provided with an NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system throughout, including water storage to support the sprinkler system per the system design, plus an additional 500 gpm of fire flow at 20 psi for a duration of one hour, to be available at an approved hydrant or hydrants as determined by the Fire Marshal.
B105.2.3 The minimum fire flow and flow duration requirements for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings and Group U buildings specified above shall be as specified in Table B105.1, as amended by Whatcom County, with the ability to apply fire-protection credits as described in Table B105.2, but not to be reduced to below 500 GPM @ 20 psi for duration of 1 hour for Group F and S occupancies, including accessory occupancies (per IBC 508.2); 1,500 GPM @ 20 psi for a duration of 1 hour for occupancies and/or mixed occupancies including Group B, E, I, M, and R occupancies except where lower gpm is indicated per Table B105.1. Fire-flow reductions for Group H occupancies may only be considered at the discretion of the Fire Marshal. Increases in fire flow may be required based on the Fire Marshal's evaluation of operational hazard and/or occupancy group. Fire protection credits shall not allow the elimination of required systems as required in other parts of the Fire Code.
Exception: Fire flow is not required if the structure meets all of the following criteria:
1. It does not exceed 2,500 square feet (232.3 m2).
2. It does not contain a hazardous operation, as determined by the Fire Marshal.
3. It is not a Group A occupancy.
TABLE B105.1. Fire-flow for Buildings Other than One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Private Garages and Commercial Agricultural Buildings (Group U)
Construction Type(a)
Required Fire Flow (GPM)
Duration (Hours)
IA & IB
IIA & IIIA
IV & VA
IIB & IIIB
VB
WHEN TOTAL FIRE AREA IN SQUARE FEET(b) IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THESE VALUES
5,500
3,700
2,600
2,100
1,600
500
1
11,100
6,800
4,700
3,500
2,400
750
1
15,900
9,300
6,200
4,500
2,900
1,000
1
22,700
12,700
8,200
5,900
3,600
1,250
1
30,200
17,000
10,900
7,900
4,800
1,500
1
38,700
21,800
12,900
9,800
6,200
1,750
1.5
48,300
24,200
17,400
12,600
7,700
2,000
1.5
59,900
33,200
21,300
15,400
9,400
2,250
1.5
70,900
39,700
25,500
18,400
11,300
2,500
2
83,700
47,100
30,100
21,800
13,400
2,750
2
97,700
54,900
35,200
25,900
15,600
3,000
2
112,700
63,400
40,600
29,300
18,000
3,250
3
128,700
72,400
46,400
33,500
20,600
3,500
3
145,900
82,100
52,500
37,900
23,300
3,750
3
164,200
92,400
59,100
42,700
26,300
4,000
4
184,400
103,100
66,000
47,700
29,300
4,250
4
203,700
114,600
73,300
53,000
32,600
4,500
4
225,200
126,700
81,100
58,600
36,000
4,750
4
247,700
139,400
89,200
65,400
39,600
5,000
4
271,200
152,600
97,700
70,600
43,400
5,250
4
295,900
166,500
106,500
77,000
47,400
5,500
4
GREATER
GREATER
115,800
83,700
51,500
5,750
4
125,500
90,600
55,700
6,000
4
135,500
97,900
60,200
6,250
4
145,800
106,800
64,800
6,500
4
156,700
113,200
69,600
6,750
4
167,900
121,300
74,600
7,000
4
179,400
129,600
79,800
7,250
4
191,400
138,300
85,100
7,500
4
GREATER
GREATER
GREATER
7,750
4
TABLE B105.1 Footnotes:
(a) Types of construction are based upon the current adopted edition of the IBC.
(b) Each portion of a building shall be considered as a separate fire area when separated by one or more fire walls built in accordance with the IBC.
TABLE B105.2. Fire Protection Credit for Commercial Rural Fire-Flow
Options to Reduce Fire-Flow(a)
% Reduction(b)
NFPA Monitored Fire Alarm
25%
NFPA 13 Automatic Sprinkler 3 System
75%
40' Minimum Setbacks(c)
25%
TABLE B105.2 Footnotes:
(a) Credits used for or with substantial alterations shall be applied to the entire structure.
(b) Reduction % is not accumulative, but applied individually. Reductions will be simply rounded to the closest fire flow rate and applied for the duration prescribed by that flow rate. In cases of an equal distance between two rates, the rate will be rounded down.
(c) Setbacks apply to all property lines and buildings, on all sides of the structure. Setback measurement may include the full width of an adjacent public way, no-build easement recorded with the Auditor to run concurrent with the deed, or similar instrument or provision acceptable to the Fire Marshal.
(d) Fire-flow rates shall not be reduced less than the minimums as required in Section B105.2.
§B105.3 Water supply for buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
B105.3.1 For buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, the water supply shall be capable of providing the greater of:
1. The automatic sprinkler system demand, including hose allowance.
2. The required fire-flow.
SECTION B106 REFERENCED STANDARDS.
ICC; IBC-18 International Building Code B104.2
ICC; ICF-18 International Fire Code As amended, Tables B105.1 and B105.2
ICC IWUIC-18 International Wildland-Urban interface Code, Table B105.1(1)
NFPA 1142-12 Standards on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting, B103.3 or most current version.
N. 
Appendix C (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distributions) is amended with the following added section:
§C106 (Subdivision Alternative) is added to the Appendix:
C106.1 Hydrant placement alternative. Subdivisions and plats with no fire flow infrastructure require a minimum lot size of 1 acre and a minimum 20-foot setback from property lines to structures, in addition to applicable fire flow requirements per Appendix B as amended. A no-build easement recorded with the Auditor to run concurrently will be required to reduce the property setbacks.
O. 
Appendix D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads) is amended as follows:
1. 
Section D103 (Minimum Specifications) is amended as follows:
§D103.2 Grade Whatcom County Development Standards, Chapter 5 (Road Standards). In addition to standard access road requirements, residential and residential accessory structures accessed by roads or driveways having 12% or greater grade require mitigation, such as an automatic sprinkler system per NFPA 13-D throughout the applicable building(s); an approved fire flow system; or equivalent mitigation, approved at the discretion of the Fire Marshal.
§D103.3 Turning radius – Minimum 35-foot radii. Residential private roads and driveways per Whatcom County Development Standards, Chapter 5.
2. 
Section D103.5 (Fire Apparatus and Access Road Gates) is amended as follows:
Gates installed across emergency apparatus access roads and driveways require a permit from the Fire Marshal's office and shall comply with all the following criteria:
1. Where a single gate is provided, the net openable gate width shall be not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm). Where a fire apparatus road consists of a divided roadway (one separate lane in each direction) or the current required width of the apparatus access road is a minimum of 12 feet (3,658 mm), the net openable gate width shall be not less than 12 feet (3,658 mm) at each lane or road. The net openable width of the gate shall be not less than the applicable required drivable surface width of any access road or driveway.
9. At the Fire Marshal's determination, applications for gates proposed to be installed across private access easements, roads, and driveways which are shared by multiple property owners/users may be required to include written, notarized confirmation that all property owners/users approve of the gate installation.
10. Gate installations where multiple properties are accessed shall include an approved universal optical sensor access system that will allow access by all emergency responders.
11. Where deemed appropriate, the Fire Marshal may require language addressing maintenance responsibilities and/or incorporation of maintenance language and other relevant information regarding any gate to be recorded with the County Auditor separately or as part of the access easement(s) description.
12. Gates shall be setback from the County right-of-way by 30 feet to provide adequate space for emergency vehicles to park and not obstruct the road.
§D103.7 Turnarounds – For all projects other than residential or residential accessory, turnarounds shall be a minimum 20-foot wide drivable surface, and legs 60 feet long per WCDS, Chapter 5 (Road Standards). Where options are limited by topography or at the discretion of the Fire Marshal for other considerations, turnarounds for residential or residential accessory structure access may be a minimum 20-foot wide drivable surface and turnaround legs 45 feet long. Turnarounds shall be located within 150 feet of a structure that requires access but no closer than 50 feet unless otherwise approved by the Fire Marshal where topographic or other significant obstacles exist.
§D103.8 Bridges – Bridges, culverts, box culverts, or similar passageway structures built over depressions or obstacles shall be hereinafter referred to as bridges. When a bridge is required to be used as part of a driveway access road, it shall be designed and constructed per the current adopted edition of the WCDS, Chapter 5 (Road Standards), §513 (Bridges and Associated Retaining Walls) and per applicable portions of IFC §503. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges when required by the Fire Marshal.
§D103.9 Installation of residential accessory buildings less than 2,500 square feet, small residential/ accessory additions, and similar minor changes or alterations may be exempt or may not trigger road standard improvements on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the Fire Marshal.
§D103.10 Surface – Per Whatcom County Development Standards (WCDS), Chapter 5 (Road Standards).
§D103.11 Vertical clearance – Minimum 13 feet-6 inches unobstructed vertical clearance for the required width of the road.
§D103.12 Fire apparatus access roads serving up to 2 residential lots where building location is less than 150 feet from approved access roads require a minimum width of 12 feet (3658 mm) and a minimum vertical clearance of 13 feet-6 inches (4,115 mm).
§D103.13 Fire apparatus roads over 150 feet long serving up to two residential lots:
§D103.13.1 Minimum width –12-foot driving surface with turnouts no farther than every 600 feet when required by the Fire Marshal. To create a turnout, the road shall be widened to 20 feet in the direction of travel for a minimum distance of 100 feet to allow vehicles to pull over to allow emergency vehicles to proceed. Turnout shall be located approximately midpoint for driveways over 600 feet but less than 1,200 feet.
§D103.14 Fire apparatus access roads and access serving more than two residential units shall meet the following:
1. Standards per Whatcom County Development Standards (WCDS), Chapter 5 (Road Standards).
2. The Fire Marshal may make modifications in these standards if the road is not buildable because of topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades, or similar conditions. These modifications shall be based on:
a. The building being protected by a minimum NFPA 13D Automatic Sprinkler System.
b. Additional fire protection features as required by the Fire Marshal.
3. When in the opinion of the Fire Marshal a residential addition or a new detached accessory building will not create a more significant fire load or hazardous situation, exceptions may be made for:
a. Minor additions to existing dwellings not exceeding 1,248 square feet of net measurable fire area where the total measurable fire area of the contiguous building (new and existing) does not exceed 4,000 square feet.
b. One small, detached accessory building not exceeding 864 square feet in measurable fire area or where the aggregate measurable fire area of all detached accessory buildings on a site does not exceed 864 square feet.
§D103.15 Emergency vehicle access roads or driveways shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. Width and clearance requirements of these standards shall be maintained at all times.
§D103.16 Private roads and driveways shall meet Whatcom County Development Standards and Drawings Chapter 5 (Roads & Related Work).
(Ord. 2017-002 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 2021-007 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2024-019 § 1 (Exh. A))
A. 
Expiration.
1. 
As referenced in Sections 105.5 of the IBC, R105.5 of the IRC, and 105.3.1 and 105.3.2 of the IFC are amended as follows:
2. 
Every building or fire permit issued by the building official or fire marshal under the provisions of this code will expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not completed in accordance with the permit requirements within two years of the date of issuance.
3. 
Any permittee may apply, in writing, for a single one-year extension in order to complete the authorized work under the permit. The fee for the extension shall be per the unified fee schedule (UFS). The building official or fire marshal may grant the extension if the permittee demonstrates that circumstances beyond their control have prevented the authorized work from being completed. No permit may be extended more than once.
a. 
If, at the end of the one-year extension period, the permittee only needs to obtain a "final" inspection to complete the permit, the permittee may apply for a one-time 60-day extension to obtain a "final" inspection.
4. 
Expiration dates for land disturbance permits issued for grading activity associated with a building or fire permit shall be the same as the building or fire permit it is associated with. If the project is located within a water resource protection overlay district (Chapter 20.71 WCC) or the Lake Whatcom watershed overlay district (Chapter 20.51 WCC), which is subject to seasonal clearing activity limitations, the extension shall begin at the commencement of the construction season, pursuant to WCC § 20.80.735 (Water resource special management areas).
5. 
Grading permits also expire and become invalid when the total approved volume has been placed into or excavated from the approved area.
6. 
Exception.
a. 
Standalone Mechanical, Plumbing and Demolition Permit.
i. 
Every standalone mechanical, plumbing, and demolition permit issued by the building official under the provisions of this code will expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not completed in accordance with the permitted requirements within 180 days from the date of issuance.
ii. 
Any permittee may apply for a single 180-day extension in order to complete the authorized work under the standalone mechanical, plumbing, or demolition permit. The fee for the extension shall be per the unified fee schedule (UFS). The building official may grant the extension if the permittee demonstrates that circumstances beyond their control have prevented the authorized work from being completed. No permit may be extended more than once.
b. 
An operational permit and open burning permit under the IFC shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. These permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy, or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.
B. 
Construction Without Permit.
1. 
The following paragraphs shall be added to IBC Section 114.1, IRC Section R113.1, and IFC Section 110.1:
When construction and/or development has occurred on a site without a valid permit as required by this chapter, any and all permits or approvals issued by the County may be denied for that site until the issue has been resolved. In addition, prompt restoration of the site to its original condition will be required. The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use for which it authorizes is lawful. The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans shall not prevent the Director of Planning & Development Services, the Building Official, the Fire Code Official, or any administrator who has been granted authority by the Director from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans and specifications or from preventing construction operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of this code or of any other ordinance or from revoking any certificate of approval when issued in error.
When construction, development, modification, or any changes to a structure have taken place without a valid permit as required by this chapter, the County may, at its discretion and as it deems necessary for compliance, require the structure to be restored to its original construction/condition. This may include, but is not limited to, complete or partial demolition of the structure or remodel; removal of framed walls or other structural components; electrical systems and/or components; cabinets, doors, countertops, fixtures, drywall; plumbing and/or plumbing fixtures; applicable appliances. Time lines required to restore the structure to its original condition shall be at the discretion of the County.
C. 
Stop Work Orders.
1. 
IBC Section 115, IRC Section R114 , and IFC Section 112 are amended to read as follows:
In the event any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity violates any provision of this ordinance or any code adopted by this ordinance, the County may issue a notice of violation, to be delivered to the owner, operator, or their agent, or to be conspicuously posted at the site. In a non-emergency situation, such notice may include notice of the intent to issue a stop work order no less than 10 calendar days following the receipt of the notice, and provide for an administrative pre-deprivation hearing within 10 calendar days of notice/order. In an emergency situation where there is a significant threat to public safety or the environment, the County may issue a stop work order. The stop work order shall include, in writing, the right to request an administrative post-deprivation hearing within 72 hours following receipt of the stop work order. Failure to comply with the stop work order shall be a gross misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by a minimum fine of $500.00 up to a maximum fine of $1,000 or one year in jail, or both. Under no circumstance may the court defer or suspend any portion of the minimum $500 fine for any conviction under this section. Each day or part thereof of noncompliance with said order to stop work shall constitute a separate offense.
D. 
Violation Deemed Misdemeanor.
1. 
IBC Section 114, IRC Section R113, and IFC Section 110 are amended to read as follows:
Except as specified below, any violation of the provisions of the International Building, Fire, Residential or other related codes as herein adopted is a misdemeanor. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code or failing to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents, directives or conditions of the Building Official or the Fire Code Official or the Director of Planning and Development Services or of a permit or certification used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
EXCEPTION: Violations of IFC §307 (Open Burning and Recreational Fires) shall constitute Class 1 civil infractions pursuant to RCW 7.80.120. The maximum penalty and the default amount for such violations shall be consistent with Chapter 7.80 RCW. All violations shall be heard and determined in accordance with the system established in Chapter 7.80 RCW. After having been found to have committed two successive infractions for violations of the same provision of this title on the same property, any person, firm, or corporation who continues to violate this title in the same manner on the same property shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both such fines and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
E. 
Notice of Violations.
1. 
IFC Section 110.3 is amended to read as follows:
When the Fire Code Official, referred to as the Fire Marshal, finds a building, premises, vehicle, storage facility or outdoor area that is in violation of this code, the fire code official is authorized to prepare a written notice of violation describing the conditions deemed unsafe. When immediate compliance is not possible, a time shall be specified for re-inspection. In special situations citations could be issued to individuals violating this code.
F. 
Civil Penalty.
1. 
Any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter, or of the codes adopted by reference by this chapter, shall be deemed guilty of a civil offense and each day during which such violation is continued or committed shall constitute a separate offense, and shall be fined not more than $1,000 for each offense. The penalty provided in this section shall be imposed by a notice in writing and delivered by personal service to the owner, the owner's agent, the operator and/or violator, and/or sent by certified mail, and/or be conspicuously posted at the site. The notice shall include the amount of the penalty imposed and shall describe the violation with reasonable particularity in ordering the act(s) constituting the violation(s) to cease and desist or, in appropriate cases, requiring necessary corrective action to be taken within a specific and reasonable time. The notice may simultaneously accompany a notice of penalty.
2. 
Within 30 days after the notice is received, the person incurring the penalty may apply in writing to the building official for remission or mitigation of such penalty. Upon receipt of the application, said department may remit or mitigate the penalty upon whatever terms the department in its discretion deems proper.
3. 
The final decision of the building official, fire marshal, or the director of planning and development services on mitigation or revision shall be reviewed by the county council, if the person being penalized files a written appeal therewith of said decision, within 10 days of its issuance. The decision of the county council regarding the penalty imposed shall be final.
4. 
A fee, as established in the unified fee schedule, shall be paid to the county council office upon filing of such an appeal. This fee shall not apply to appeals initiated by a county department. If an appellant prevails in an appeal of final decisions of the building official, fire code official, or the director of planning and development services, on mitigation or revision of the penalty to the county council, the appellant's appeal fees shall be refunded.
5. 
In addition to the civil penalties described above, the prosecuting attorney may in his discretion bring such injunctive, declaratory, or other actions as deemed necessary to ensure that violations of this chapter are prevented or cease, and to otherwise enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 2017-002 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 2021-007 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2024-019 § 1 (Exh. A))