A.
Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern except that the hierarchy of the codes named in Chapter 19.27 RCW shall govern.
B.
New Installations. This chapter applies to new installs.
C.
Existing Installations. Lawfully installed existing installations that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be continued without change, except as is specifically covered in this chapter, Chapter 15.40 KMC, the International Fire Code or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and public. Where changes are required for correction of hazards, a reasonable amount of time shall be given for compliance, depending on the degree of the hazard.
D.
Maintenance. Buildings and structures, including their electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, equipment, materials and appurtenances, both existing and new, and parts thereof, shall comply with Chapter 15.40 KMC and be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe, hazard-free condition. Devices or safeguards that are required by this chapter shall be maintained in compliance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the system and equipment. To determine compliance with this provision, the building official shall have the authority to require that the systems and equipment be reinspected.
E.
Additions, Alterations, Modifications or Repairs for Other Than IRC Buildings. Additions, alterations, modifications or repairs to a building or structure or to the electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system(s) of any building, structure or premises shall conform to the requirements of this chapter without requiring those portions of the existing building or system not being altered or modified to comply with all the requirements of this chapter. Installations, additions, alterations, modifications, or repairs shall not cause an existing building to become unsafe or to adversely affect the performance of the building as determined by the building official or designated representative. Electrical wiring added to an existing service, feeder, or branch circuit shall not result in an installation that violates the provisions of the code in force at the time the additions were made.
F.
Additions, Alterations, Change of Use, Repairs, or Relocations to IRC Buildings or Structures. Additions, alterations, repairs, or relocations shall be permitted to conform to the requirements of the provisions of IRC Chapter 45 or shall conform to the requirements for a new structure without requiring the existing structure to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. Additions, alterations, repairs, and relocations shall not cause an existing structure to become less compliant with the provisions of this code than the existing building or structure was prior to the addition, alteration, repair, or relocation. Where additions, alterations, or changes of use to an existing structure result in a use or occupancy, height, or means of egress outside the scope of this code, the building shall comply with the International Existing Building Code.
Exception:
1.
Additions with less than 500 square feet of conditioned floor area to IRC regulated structures are exempt from the requirements for whole house ventilation systems, Section M1505.4.
2.
Additions or alterations to existing buildings which do not required the construction of foundations, crawlspaces, slabs or basements shall not be required to meet the requirements for radon protection in Section R332.1 and Appendix AF.
G.
Moved Buildings. Building or structures moved into or within a jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code for new buildings or structures.
Exception: R-3 buildings or structures are not required to comply if:
1.
The original occupancy classification is not changed; and
2.
The original building is not substantially remodeled or rehabilitated. For the purposes of this section a building shall be considered to be substantially remodeled when the costs of remodeling exceed 60 percent of the value of the building exclusive of the costs relating to preparation, construction, demolition or renovation of the foundations.
For the purpose of this section, a building shall be considered to be substantially remodeled when the costs of remodeling exceed 60 percent of the value of the building exclusive of the costs relating to preparation, construction, demolition, or renovation of foundations.
(Ord. 10-0310 § 4 (Exh. C); Ord. 13-0360 § 6 (Exh. C); Ord. 16-0423 § 4 (Exh. D); Ord. 20-0518 § 4 (Exh. D); Ord. 24-0602 § 4 (Exh. D))