ORDINANCE 2006-03

Skamania County Building Code

ORDINANCE NO. 2006-03

AN ORDINANCE AMEDING ORDINACE 1999-10, 1998-02, 1994-05, 1993-01, 1989-06, 1989-05, 1982-01,1975-08 and 1975-01 and ALL SECTIONS OF TITLE 15 OF THE SKAMANIA COUNTY CODE.

WHEREAS; Washington statutes (RCW 19.27 State Building Code, et al.) required all jurisdictions within the State to adopt by reference and enforce the same building codes throughout the State; and,

WHEREAS; Skamania County has adopted the State Building Code, in Title 15 of the Skamania County Code which is on file with the County Auditor; and,

WHEREAS; the State legislature established the 2003 International Codes, promulgated by the International Code Council as the basis of the new State Building Code with the exception of the 2003 Uniform Plumbing Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; and,

WHEREAS; the purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings and structures and the general public by the adoption of building codes generally uniform throughout the State; and,

WHEREAS, this chapter shall establish and require minimum performance standards and requirements for construction and construction materials, for supplied utilities and facilities, for all property, buildings and structures consistent with accepted standards of engineering, fire and life safety; and,

WHEREAS; the Skamania County Board of County Commissioners have determined that it is in the public’s best fiscal interest to at least distribute the costs associated with administration and enforcement of the State Building Code to the applicant for the building permit; and,

WHEREAS; Title 15 - Skamania County Code has established fees which are intended to provide a fair and equitable distribution of the true cost to provide administration and enforcement services required by the State Building Code; and,

WHEREAS; the Skamania County Board of County Commissioners, in order to ensure that fees for such services are fair and equitable, have determined the need to review the established fee schedules(s) from time to time;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that Chapter 15.04 of the Skamania County Code be deleted in its entirety and is hereby replaced with the following:

Chapter 15.04

State Building Code

15.04.010 Definitions

15.04.020 Adoption

15.04.030 Penalty for violation

15.04.040 Severability

15.04.050 Conflict

15.04.060 Skamania County additions to State Building Code

15.04.070 Board of appeals

15.04.010 Definitions.

Unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, the following words or phrases as hereinafter used in this chapter or in any of the construction codes shall have the following meanings:

Building official means the officer or any other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the construction codes of the county, and shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, or his duly authorized representative.
Construction codes means the codes, regulations and standards listed in this ordinance adopted by Skamania County.
Fire Marshal means the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the fire code.
Mobile Home means a factory-built dwelling built before June 15, 1976 to standards other than the national manufactured housing construction and safety standards act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.) and acceptable under applicable state codes in effect at the time of construction or introduction of the home into this state; a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is thirty-two body feet or more in length and is eight body feet or more in width, and which is a minimum of four hundred eighty square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis, and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, hearing, air-conditioning and electrical systems contained therein, except as hereinafter specifically excluded, and excluding recreational vehicles, travel trailers and mobile/manufacture housing.
Mobile/Manufactured Housing means a single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy and constructed in accordance with the requirements prescribed under RCW 43.22.340, as amended, and the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development Standards promulgated under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.) as amended and all rules and regulations, and which is designed for transportation, after fabrication, on public streets and highways on its own chassis and wheels and which, when sited, is designed to be permanently connected to required utilities.
Person means a natural person, his heirs, executor, administrators and assigns; a firm, a partnership, corporation or association, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid; and state and local governments and agencies.
Start of construction means the first placement or permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slabs or footings or any work beyond the state of excavation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling, nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings (less than 200 sq. ft.), such as sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not as part of the main structure. Permanent construction does include the erection of a permanent foundation for a mobile home or mobile/manufactured housing when such work is beyond the stage of excavation.
Structure means an edifice or buildings of any kind artificially built up or composed of parts jointed together in some definite manner, which is principally above ground.

15.04.020 Adoption.

As modified by chapters 51-50, 51-51, 51-52, 51-54, 51-56, 51-57, 51-11 and 51-13 of the Washington Administrative Code and this Title, those codes as set forth in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.17 and 19.27A are adopted as the minimum regulations of Skamania County governing buildings and structures, and shall have the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein. Specifically, these codes include;

1) (a) The International Building Code, published by the International Code Council, Inc.;

including Appendix G

(b) The International Residential Code, published by the International Code Council, Inc.

2) The International Mechanical Code, published by the International Code Council, Inc., except that the standards for liquefied petroleum gas installation shall be NFPA 58 (Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases) and ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code);

3) The International Fire Code, published by the International Code Council, Inc. including those standards of the National Fire Protection Association specifically referenced in the International Fire Code: PROVIDED, that, notwithstanding any wording in this code, participants in religious ceremonies shall not be precluded from carrying hand-held candles, also including Appendix B & C as amended by Skamania County.

4) Except as provided in RCW 19.27.170, the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials: PROVIDED, that any provisions of such code affecting sewers or fuel gas piping are not adopted;

5) The rules adopted by the State Building Code Council establishing standards for making buildings and facilities accessible to and usable by the physically disabled or elderly persons as provided in RCW 70.92.100 through 70.92.160;

6) The Washington State Energy Code, 2003 edition, filed as Chapter 51-11 Washington Administrative Code; and

7) The Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, 2003 Edition, filed as Chapter 51-13 WAC.

In case of conflict among the codes enumerated in subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this

section, the first named code shall govern over those following.

15.04.030 Penalty for violation.

1. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty by a separate civil wrong for each and every day of or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted, and, upon a finding of any such civil wrong, such person shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 for each day of violation, together with such fees and costs as are provided by the codes and adopted herein.

2. Public nuisance.

A. Violations a Public Nuisance. The following are hereby declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance.

1. Any building or structure hereafter set up, erected, built, moved, maintained, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, improved, removed, converted, demolished, equipped, used, occupied, or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter;

2. Any grading, excavating, or filling operation, contrary to provisions of Chapter 18 of the 2003 International Building Code;

3. Any work done or action taken or product thereof which is contrary to this chapter;

4. Unsafe buildings or structures as defined in Section 115 or the 2003 International Building Code or the International Building Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. The building official shall take steps to abate public nuisances as defined herein. The prosecuting attorney may commence an action or actions, proceeding or proceedings for the abatement, removal or enjoinment of public nuisances as defined here. The power hereby granted to abate a public nuisance shall be construed broadly.

B. Cumulative Civil Penalty. In addition to, or as an alternative to, any other penalty provided herein or by law, any person, firm, or corporation which violates the provisions of this chapter, or violates the provisions of the International Building Codes adopted by reference by this ordinance, shall incur a cumulative civil penalty in the amount of twenty dollars per day from the date set for correction pursuant to subsection (c) (1) (d) of this section until the violation is corrected, together with all cost incurred to the county in abating said nuisance.

C. Notice of Violation-Assessment of Penalty. Whenever the building official determines that a continuing violation of the above chapters of the International Building Codes is occurring, the building official is authorized to issue a notice of violation directed to the person(s) committing or causing such violation.

1. The notice of violation shall contain:

a. The name and address of the persons to whom the notice of violation is directed;

b. The street address when available or a legal description sufficient for identification of the building, structure, premises or land upon or within which the violation is occurring;

c. A concise description of the nature of the violation;

d. A statement of the action required to be taken as determined by the building official and a date for correction which shall be not less than twenty-one days from the date of service of the notice of violation unless the building official has determined the violation to be immediately hazardous;

e. A statement that a cumulative civil penalty in the amount of twenty dollars per day shall be assessed against the person to whom the notice of violation is directed for each and every day following the date set for correction on which the violation continues;

f. A statement that the building official’s notification of violation may be appealed to the board of appeals (except where a required permit has not been obtained) by the filing with the building official a written notice of appeal along with a twenty-five dollar filing fee within twenty days of service of the notice of violation and that the daily civil penalty shall not accrue during the pendency of such administrative appeal;

g. That in addition to other penalties the costs incurred by the county in abating said violation may be assessed against the person to whom such notice is directed.

2. The notice of violation shall be served upon the person(s) to whom it is directed either personally in the manner provided for personal service of notices of complaint in justice court or by mailing a copy of the notice of violation by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested to such person at his last known address. Proof of personal service shall be made at the time of service by a written declaration under penalty of perjury executed by the person effecting service, declaring time, date and the manner by which service was made.

3. An administrative appeal of a notice of violation may be taken by filing of a notice of appeal with the building official within twenty days of the service of the notice of violation. Such appeals shall be heard by the board of appeals in such manner as set out in Section 15.040.060 of this chapter.

4. For good cause shown in the building official may extend the date set for correction in the notice of violation; provided that such an extension shall not affect the time within which an administrative appeal must be commenced.

D. Collection of Civil Penalty and Cost. The prosecuting attorney or the building official on behalf of the county is authorized to collect the civil penalty and cost by use of appropriate legal remedies, the seeking or granting of which shall neither stay nor terminate the accrual of additional per diem penalties so long as the violation continues.

E. Compromise, Settlement and Disposition of Suit. The building official and the prosecuting attorney are hereby authorized to enter into negotiations with the parties or their legal representatives named in a lawsuit for the collection of civil penalties and costs to negotiate a settlement, compromise or otherwise dispose of a lawsuit when to do so will be in the best interest of the county. (Ord. 1989-06 (part))

15.04.040 Severability.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this title is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.

15.04.050 Conflict.

Whenever any conflict occurs between any section of this title and the codes referred to in this title, the most restrictive provision shall prevail. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

15.04.060 Skamania County additions to State Building Code.

Setback requirements shall conform to those set by the Skamania County Planning and Community Development Zoning Ordinance and the International Building Code, or any other applicable ordinance whichever is most restrictive.

Building Code setback requirements for un-zoned lots:

1. 12,500 square feet

a. Front yard: No building or accessory building shall be constructed closer than 45 feet from the centerline of the public road right-of-way or 35 feet from the centerline of the private road (note including private driveways), or road or 15 feet from the front property line, whichever is greater.

b. Side yard: On each side of the building or accessory building a side yard shall be provided of not less than 5 feet.

c. Rear yard: A rear yard shall be provided of not less than 15 feet, including accessory buildings.

2. 8,000 square feet

a. Front yard: No building or accessory building shall be constructed closer than 45 feet from the centerline of the public road right-of-way or 35 feet from the centerline of a private road (not including private driveways), or road or 15 feet from the front property line, whichever is greater.

b. Side year: On each side of the building or accessory building a side yard shall be provided of not less than 5 feet.

c. Rear yard: A rear yard shall be provided of not less than 15 feet, including accessory buildings.

3. A Yard That Fronts On More Than One Road: A setback requirement for the front yard of a lot that fronts on more than one road shall be the required setback for that zone classification. All other frontages shall have a setback of 15 feet from the property line, or the edge of the public road right-of-way or private road easement; whichever is greater if the parcel is less than 2 acres. If the parcel is greater than two (2) acres, the setback shall be 20 feet from the property line, or the edge of the public road right-of-way or private road easement, whichever is greater.

4. Setbacks from cul-de-sacs and hammerhead turn around shall be 20 feet from the property line, or the edge of the public road right-of-way or private road easement, whichever is greater.

All setbacks are subject to any other applicable ordinance or restriction whichever is greater.

15.04.070 Board of appeals.

Section 112 of the 2003 International Building Code, Section 109 of the International Mechanical Code and Section 108 of the International Fire Code are each amended to read:

In order to determine the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction and to provide for reasonable interpretations of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals consisting of three (3) members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matter pertaining to the State Building Code. The members shall be named by the Board of County Commissioners and the board convened at such time as is necessary to address applications for hearing. The building official shall be an ex-officio member and shall act as secretary of the board. The board may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the building official with a duplicate copy to the appellant.

(Ord. 1998-02 (part); Ord. 1989-06 (part))

Chapter 15.08

International Building Code

15.08.010 Adoption.

15.08.020 General.

15.08.030 Amendments.

15.08.040 Fees.

15.08.010 Adoption.

As amended by WAC 51.50, the 2003 edition of the International Building Code, including Appendix G.

15.08.020 General.

The following shall be in addition to the requirements of the International Building Code:

a. Lot lines and setback lines. Notwithstanding the authority of the building official to administer and enforce the International Building Code, no duty to verify or establish lot lines or setback lines is created by virtue of inspections conducted pursuant to Section 109 of the International Building Code and none shall be implied. The location of lot line and/or setback lines and construction related thereto shall be responsibility of the applicant/owner. The building official may require a survey to verify that appropriate setbacks have been met.

b. Change in Use. In addition to the requirements of Section 110.1 of the International Building Code, a certificate of occupancy may be required and a change in use deemed to have occurred when the occupancy or use of a building has changed to such extent that different zoning or building code other county code requirements apply. In order to make a determination as to whether the new use will be impacted by various codes and ordinances in effect, “change of use” permits will be required for all occupancy/use changes, and will be subject to the existing permit processes. Inspections made for the express purpose of granting a certificate of occupancy will be made as safety inspections and charged at the rate specified in Section 15.08.040.

c. Demolitions.

1. In addition to the requirements of Section 3303 of the International Building Code, every building or structure or portion or remnants thereof remaining after fire, prior or partial demolition, acts of nature, explosion or other destructive or nondestructive forces which is found to be in noncompliance with the site cleanup requirements specified in subsection (C)(3)(a) through (C)(3)(j) of this section shall be brought into compliance with these requirements, as applicable, within sixty days of written notice (certified mail) or, those responsible for such buildings or structures shall obtain permits necessary for reconstruction within sixty days of such notice.

2. All buildings under demolition or remnants of buildings as mentioned in subsection (C)(1) of this section, shall have the site posted with no trespassing signs and otherwise protected from unauthorized access by the public.

3. Permits for demolishing structures and buildings shall be conditioned as follows:

a. Permits shall be valid for a period not to exceed sixty days from date of issuance with sixty day extensions allowed for extenuating circumstances as approved by the Building Official;

b. Remove all floors, foundations, footings, basement and retaining walls to a minimum of eighteen inches below grade, or as otherwise required;

c. Fill excavations and other cavities with noncombustible, inorganic material smaller than eight inches and cover with dirt or gravel so that broken concrete is not left exposed;

d. Remove all sewage from existing cavities and fill with earth, sand, gravel or other approved material;

e. Fill wells with gravel and rocks no larger than eight inches or install a concrete cap (lined wells only) of sufficient size and weight that it cannot be removed;

f. Grade site so that surface is smooth and properly sloped for required drainage. Grading shall conform to existing neighboring grades on all sides;

g. During demolition, water shall be used to control and reduce dust and its impact on neighboring properties;

h. The site shall be left clean and in a safe condition; and

i. When demolition has been completed, the department shall be contacted, pursuant to Section 109 of the International Building Code, to inspect the site to ascertain compliance with this chapter.

j. A bond in an amount sufficient to ensure abatement of potential impacts to public health and safety and long-term environmental impacts and to ensure general clean-up of the demolition site shall, at the discretion of the Building Official, be required prior to issuance of the demolition permit.

i. If a bond is to be required, assurance of full and faithful performance shall be for a sum determined by the Building Official as sufficient to cover the cost of the proposed project. If the applicant does not concur with the established aforementioned sum, the applicant, at his/her expense may employ a qualified agent, approved by the Building Official to mediate any alleged discrepancy.

ii. Prior to issuance of permit, the applicant shall file with the Building Official, to assure his/her full and faithful performance, one of the following;

a) a surety bond executed by a surety company authorized to transact business in the State of Washington in a form approved by the prosecuting attorney;

b) a personal bond approved by the prosecuting attorney, cosigned by at leas one additional person, together with evidence of financial responsibility and resources of those signing the bond sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of ability to proceed to accordance with the conditions of permit issuance;

iii. If the applicant fails to carry out provisions of the permit and Skamania County has un-reimbursed costs or expense resulting from such failure, Skamania County shall call on the bond or cash deposit for reimbursement. If the amount of the bond or cash exceeds the cost and expense incurred by Skamania County, the remainder shall be released. If the amount of the bond or cash deposit is less than the cost and expense incurred by Skamania County, the applicant shall be liable to the county for the difference. The Building Official may require readjustment of bond amount if the scope of work changes after work has begun.

iv. Skamania County shall have the authority to make site visits at any time throughout the duration of the project.

v. Bonding shall remain valid until all required work is complete and the final inspection has been approved.

4. The fee for a demolition permit issued pursuant to Section 105 of the International Building Code shall be as specified in Section 15.08.040.

15.06.030 Amendments.

A. Section 105.2 is amended to read as follows:

105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.

2. Fences not over 6 feet high.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Retaining walls, which are not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.

5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

6. Platforms, decks, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below and which is not part of an accessible route.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.

10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one and two family dwellings.

12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more that 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R3, as applicable in Section 101.2, and Group U occupancies

13. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.

14. Minor construction and alteration activities to Group U which the total valuation as determined or as documented by the applicant to the satisfaction of the building official, does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1500) in any twelve month period; PROVIDED, that the construction and/or alteration activity does not affect any structural components, or reduce existing egress, light, air, and ventilation conditions. This exemption does not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical activities. The permit exemption shall not otherwise exempt the construction or alteration from the substantive standards of the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031, as amended and maintained by the State Building Code Council under RCW 19.27.070;

1. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.

2. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for power supply, the installations of towers and antennas.

Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.

Gas:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Portable ventilation equipment.

3. Portable cooling unit.

4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated

by this code.

5. Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.

6. Portable evaporative cooler.

7. Self contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant

and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe provided, however,

that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective

and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work

shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made

as provided in this code.

2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures,

and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not

involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

15.08.040 Fees.

A. Fees for building permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall be based on valuation and charged as set forth as per current resolution. The total valuation shall be determined using square foot construction costs as per current resolution.

B. A plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the permit application. Said plan review fee shall be 65% of the building permit fee as established by Skamania County Code 15.08.040. The plan review fee shall be based on a modified permit fee, it applicable. When submitted documents are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review or when the project involves deferred submittal items, and additional plan review fee may be charged at the rate shown in current resolution. The plan review fees specified in this section are separate fees from the permit fees specified in Skamania County Code 15.08.040(A) and are in addition to the permit fees.

C. Other inspections and fees shall be charged as per current resolution.

D. The Building Official may authorize refunding of any fee, which was erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued.

The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or cancelled before any plan review is done. In no case shall a plan review fee be refunded once the plan review has been started.

The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of the fee payment.

F. Fees for other permits required by this Title shall be listed in their respective chapters.

G. Change of Use. The fee for each change of use issued pursuant to Subsection B of Section 15.08.020 and subsection C of Section 15.12.020 of this Title shall be twenty dollars ($20.00) per one thousand square feet (1,000 sq. ft.), or portion thereof, of building up to a maximum of two hundred dollars ($200.00), plus any other permit fees required as a result of the change of use.

Chapter 15.12

International Residential Code

15.12.010 Adoption

15.12.020 General

15.12.030 Amendments

15.12.040 Fees

15.12.050 Mobile/Manufactured Housing

15.12.010 Adoption. As amended by Washington Administrative Code 51-51, the 2003 edition of the International Residential Code published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted with the following additions, deletions and exceptions: PROVIDED that chapter 11 and 25 through 42 of the International Residential Code are not adopted:

15.12.020 General. The following shall be in addition to the requirements of the International Residential Code:

A. Lot Lines and Setback Lines. Notwithstanding the authority of the building official to administer and enforce the International Residential Code, no duty to verify or establish lot lines or setback lines is created by virtue of inspections conducted pursuant to Section 108 of the International Residential Code and none shall be implied. The location of lot line and/or setback lines and construction related thereto shall be the responsibility of the applicant/owner. The building official may require a survey to verify that appropriate setbacks have been met.

B. Change in Use. In addition to the requirements of Section R110.1 of the International Residential Code, a certificate of occupancy may be required and a change in use deemed to have occurred when the occupancy or use of a building has changed to the extent that different zoning or other county code requirements apply. In order to make a determination as to whether the new use will be impacted by various codes and ordinance in effect, “change of use” permits will be required for all occupancy/use changes, and will be subject to the existing permit processes. Inspections made for the express purpose of granting a certificate of occupancy will be made as safety inspections and charged at the rate specified in Section 15.08.040.

C. Demolitions. Demolitions under this chapter shall be as per Section 15.08.020(C).

15.12.030 Amendments.

A. Section R105.2 is amended to read as follows:

R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following types of projects. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.

2. Fences not over 6 feet high.

3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.

4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

5. Platforms, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.

6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.

8. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one or two family dwelling.

9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

10. Minor construction and alteration activities to Group R, Division 3 and Group U which the total valuation as determined or as documented by the applicant to the satisfaction of the building official, does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1500) in any twelve month period; PROVIDED, that the construction and/or alteration activity does not affect any structural components, or reduce existing egress, light, air, and ventilation conditions. This exemption does not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical activities. The permit exemption shall not otherwise exempt the construction or alteration from the substantive standards of the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.070.

a. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.

b. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

15.12.040 Fees.

A. Fees for building permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall be charged as per current resolution.

15.12.050 Mobile/Manufactured Homes.

A. A mobile/manufactured home may be placed on any lot that is appropriately zoned for a single-family residence provided that;

a. The mobile/manufactured home to be set up on a permanent foundation, as specified by the manufacturer, and that the space from the bottom of the home to the ground be enclosed by concrete or an approved product which can be either load bearing or decorative;

b. The mobile/manufactured home will comply with all local design standards applicable to all other homes within the neighborhood in which the manufactured home is to be located; and

c. The mobile/manufactured home otherwise meets all other requirements for a designated manufactured home as defined in RCW 35.63.160.

Chapter 15.16

International Mechanical Code

15.16.010 Adoption.

15.16.020 Fees.

15.16.010 Adoption: As amended by Washington Administrative Code 51-52, the 2003 version of the International Mechanical Code is hereby adopted.

15.16.020 Fees. Fees for mechanical permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall be charged as per current resolution.

Chapter 15.20

International Fire Code

15.20.010 Adoption

15.20.020 Intent

15.20.030 Fees

15.20.010 Adoption: As amended by Washington Administrative Code 51-54, the 2003 version of the International Fire Code is hereby adopted.

15.20.020 Intent: Skamania County shall administer and enforce the International Fire Code in the unincorporated areas of the county; PROVIDED, that any political subdivision or municipal corporation providing fire protection pursuant to RCW 14.08.120 shall, at its sole option, be responsible for administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code on its facility. Any fire protection district or political subdivision may, pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW, the interlocal cooperation act, assume all or a portion of the administering responsibility and coordinate and cooperate with the county government in the enforcement of the International Fire Code.

15.20.030 Fees.

A. Retail Sale of Fireworks. The fee for each stand for the retail sale of fireworks shall be thirty dollars ($30.00).

B. Flammable/Combustible Liquid Storage Tank Installation. The fee for the installation of a flammable/combustible liquid storage tank shall be thirty dollars ($30.00) for each tank installed.

Exception: Liquefied Propane Gas Tanks up to and including 125 gallons.

C. Flammable/Combustible Liquid Storage Tank Removal. The fee for the removal of a flammable/combustible liquid storage tank shall be thirty dollars ($30.00) for each tank removed.

D. Fees for other permits required by Section 105 of the International Fire Code shall be established on a cost-to-jurisdiction basis.

Chapter 15.24

Uniform Plumbing Code

15.24.010 Adoption

15.24.020 Fees

15.24.010 Adoption: As amended by Washington Administrative Code 51-56, the 2003 version of the Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby adopted.

15.24.020 Fees. Fees for plumbing permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall be charged as per current resolution.

Chapter 15.28

Washington State Energy Code

15.28.010 Adoption.

15.28.010 Adoption: As amended by Washington Administrative Code 51-11, the 2003 edition of the Washington State Energy Code is hereby adopted.

Chapter 15.32

Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code

15.32.010 Adoption.

15.32.010 Adoption: As amended by Washington Administrative Code 51-13, the 2003 edition of the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code is hereby adopted.

REVIEWED, under Consent Agenda the _____day of __________, 2006, and set for public hearing on the _____day of __________, 2006 at _____:_____

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Skamania County, Washington

ATTEST:

_____________________________________

Chairman

_________________________

Clerk of the Board ______________________________________

Commissioner

______________________________________

Commissioner

ORDINANCE NO 2006-03 PASSED INTO LAW THIS ________DAY OF ________, 2006

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Skamania County, Washington

________________________________________

Chairman

________________________________________

Commissioner

ATTEST:

________________________________________

Commissioner

_________________________________

Clerk of the Board

APPROVED AS TO FORM ONLY:

_________________________________

Skamania County Prosecuting Attorney

AYE ______

NAY ______

ABSTAIN ______

ABSENT ______

Ordinance No. 2006-03

APPENDIX B

FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS

The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.