Chapter 15.04
INTERNATIONAL CODES*

Sections:

15.04.010    Title.

15.04.020    International and Uniform Codes adopted.

15.04.030    Amendments to codes.

15.04.040    Administration.

15.04.050    Violation.

15.04.060    Civil penalty.

15.04.070    Repeal.

15.04.080    Severability.

*    Prior ordinance history: Ordinance No. 12487.

15.04.010 Title.

This Chapter shall be known as the Building Code of Skagit County. (Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. R20020270; Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 15401 (part), 1994: Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)

15.04.020 International and Uniform Codes adopted.

The following International and Uniform Codes are hereby adopted subject to modifications and/or amendments hereinafter set forth in this Chapter:

(1) International Building Code, 2009 Edition, published by the International Code Conference, together with supplements thereto, including the 2009 International Existing Building Code; mandated State amendments; Chapter 51-50 WAC, International Building Code Appendices Chapter B, Chapter C, Chapter E, Chapter G, and Chapter J (Washington State amendments to the 2009 International Existing Building Code).

(2) International Residential Code, 2009 Edition, except Chapters 11 and 25—43, published by the International Code Council, together with supplements thereto; mandated State amendments per Chapter 51-51 WAC, International Residential Code Appendices Chapter G and Chapter R (as adopted by the State of Washington).

(3) International Mechanical Code, 2009 Edition, published by the International Code Council, together with supplements thereto; mandated State amendments and Chapter 51-52 WAC, including the 2009 International Fuel Gas Code, the 2008 NFPA 58, and the 2009 NFPA 54.

(4) Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, together with supplements and amendments thereto; mandated State amendments and Chapters 51-56 and 51-57 WAC, Appendices Chapter A, Chapter B, and Chapter I; provided, that Chapters 12 and 15 are not adopted; provided further, that those requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code relating to venting and combustion air of fuel fire appliances as found in Chapter 5 and those portions of the Code addressing building sewers are not adopted.

(5) International Fire Code, 2009 Edition, including the 2009 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, published by the International Code Council, and amendments and additions thereto; supplements thereto; mandated State amendments, Chapter 51-54 WAC.

(6) Washington State Energy Code, 2006 Edition, and Reference Standard 29, Chapter 51-11 WAC, developed by the State Building Code Council, until such time as Chapter 51-11 WAC is amended to enact the 2009 Edition of the Washington State Energy Code.

(7) Installation of factory-built housing and commercial structures, RCW 43.22.460, together with WAC 296-150C-0540, 296-150F-0540 and the installation of manufactured and mobile homes, RCW 43.22.440 and WAC 296-150M-0650. (Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. R20020270; Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 15818 (part), 1995: Ord. 15401 (part), 1994: Ord. 14691 (part), 1992; Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)

15.04.030 Amendments to codes.

Pursuant to authority granted by the Revised Code of the State of Washington under the State Building Code Act, the following amendments to the International Codes are hereby adopted and apply within this jurisdiction.

(1) Amendments to the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC):

(a) Section 101.2, Scope. IBC Section 101.2 is amended as follows:

Exceptions.

1. When work located primarily in a public way is otherwise exempt from grading or building permits, this exemption shall apply to installation and maintenance of public utility towers and poles, installation and maintenance of mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in this code, underground utilities, and hydraulic flood control structures.

(b) Section 105.2, Work Exempt from Permit. IBC Section 105.2 and IRC Section R105.2 are amended as follows:

1. One story detached buildings, provided that this exemption does not apply to signs, and provided further that:

a. The building is not used for sleeping purposes, and

b. Provided that the building is not placed within a defined critical area or its buffer, unless critical areas review has been provided and the location has been approved, and

c. Provided that only one such exempt building is allowed on any parcel, and

d. Provided that the building is not located in a designated floodway, and

e. Provided the building meets the setback requirements of Skagit County Code (SCC) 14.16 and the specific requirements of SCC 14.16.810.

4. Membrane structures as defined in the International Building Code; provided:

(a) The structure is used exclusively for the protection or propagation of plants not on display for public viewing or sales.

(b) The structure is located a minimum of twenty feet (20') from any property line or other structure and that it meets the setback requirements of SCC 14.16 and the specific requirements of SCC 14.16.810.

(c) Multiple membrane structures located on the same lot and having an aggregate floor area exceeding twelve thousand (12,000') square feet shall maintain a minimum of sixty (60') foot clear yards on all sides.

(d) A site plan is submitted to Skagit County Planning & Development Services, which shows compliance with this section.

(c) Section 105.5, Expiration.

Every building permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not completed in accordance with the permitted requirements within three (3) years of the date of issuance. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for a six month extension in order to complete the authorized work for no additional cost. The Building Official may grant the extension on written request from the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented the authorized work from being completed. No permit may be thus extended more than once.

To renew a permit for an additional 3-year period, prior to expiration or within 6 months of expiration, of the current permit, the permittee shall pay the renewal fee as determined on the currently adopted fee schedule. No permit may be thus renewed more than once. A new permit will be required where expiration is more than six months.

(d) Section 109.2 of the International Building Code and Section 108.2 of the International Residential Code shall read as follows:

General Fees shall be as set forth in the fee schedule for the Skagit County Planning & Development Services, adopted under separate resolution by the Skagit County Board of Commissioners.

(e) Section 903.2.7 item 4 is amended to exempt display and sales areas of upholstered furniture where the aggregate floor area used for display and sales is three hundred fifty (350) square feet or less.

(f) Sections 1608.1 and 1608.2 of the International Building Code and Map 301.2(5) of the International Residential Code for snow loads are amended as follows:

Buildings and structures that are located in the designated “cs” zone, as shown in the 2009 International Building Code, shall have their snow loads determined by engineered analysis in accordance with the requirements of the International Building Code, 2009 edition, or shall comply with the roof snow loads as shown on the adopted snow load map for Skagit County.

Under authority granted to local jurisdictions through WAC 296-150M-0600, the Skagit County Building Official has determined the anticipated snow loads for Skagit County and arranged them on a map of Skagit County. The snow loads and the snow load map of Skagit County have been reviewed by local structural and civil engineers for methodology and conformance with the 1995 Snow Load Analysis published by the Structural Engineers Association of Washington and have been found to be conforming.

(g) IBC Section 3002.4 is amended as follows:

Stretcher Requirements. In all structures two or more stories in height in Group A, E, B, I, R1 and LC occupancies where elevator cars are installed, at least one elevator shall be provided with a minimum clear distance between walls or between walls and door including return panels, of not less than 86 inches by 54 inches (2184 mm x 1372 mm) and a minimum distance from wall to return panel of not less than 51 inches (1295 mm) with a 42 inch (1067 mm) side slide door, unless otherwise designed to accommodate an ambulance-type stretcher 86 inches by 26 inches (2184 mm x 660 mm).

In buildings where one elevator does not serve all floors, two or more elevators may be used. The elevators shall be identified by the international symbol for emergency medical services (Star of Life). The symbol shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) and placed inside on both sides of the hoistway door frame. The symbol shall be placed no lower than 78 inches (1981 mm) from the floor level or higher than 84 inches (2134 mm) from the floor level.

(h) Appendix J, Section J103.2 Exemptions, is amended as follows:

1. Exemption #1 regarding isolated areas is not adopted.

2. through 7: No change.

8. An excavation that is not within a defined critical area or its buffers unless there has been critical areas review of the project and the location has been approved, and:

a. does not obstruct natural drainage and is less than 2 feet in depth, and

b. does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet in height and steeper than 1.5:1, and

c. does not exceed 100 cubic yards of excavated material.

9. A fill that:

a. is not within a defined critical area or its buffers unless there has been critical areas review of the project and the location has been approved, and does not obstruct natural drainage and is less than 1 foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope less than 12%, or

b. is not within a defined critical area or its buffers unless there has been critical areas review of the project and the location has been approved, and is less than 3 feet in depth and is not intended to support structures and that does not exceed 100 cubic yard on any one lot.

10. Agricultural projects such as tilling, planting, and fertilizing.

(i) Chapter 34, Existing Structures.

3401 GENERAL.

Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy existed prior to July 1, 1989 and provided such use or occupancy is not dangerous to life. Buildings legally permitted and approved for occupancy before or after such date are considered legal at the time of the adoption of this edition of this code.

(2) Amendments to International Fire Code (IFC):

(a) IFC Section 102.2 is amended as follows:

3. To help assure that this section is properly administered and to help provide for a reasonable degree of safety to persons occupying existing buildings, there shall be a fire code inspection, at times determined by the Skagit County Fire Marshal, for all Group A, B, E, F, H, I and M occupancies.

(b) IFC Section 102.6 is amended as follows:

The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those listed in Chapter 45 of this code. Such codes and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference as determined or modified by the code official.

(c) IFC Section 202 is amended as follows:

Definitions.

Fire Chief. Shall mean the Skagit County Fire Marshal as it relates to the implementation of this code.

Fire Code Official. Shall mean the Skagit County Fire Marshal as it relates to the implementation of this code.

(d) IFC Section 903.2.7 item 4 is amended to exempt display and sales areas of upholstered furniture where the aggregate floor area used for display and sales is three hundred fifty (350) square feet or less.

(e) IFC Appendix A, Section A101 is amended as follows:

In order to determine the suitability of materials and type of construction and to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of this code, there shall be hereby created a Board of Appeals. This Board shall consist of the same membership as the Building Code Board of Appeals. The Fire Marshal and the Building Official shall be Ex-Officio members. The Board shall adopt rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions in writing to the Fire Marshal and Building Official with a duplicate copy to the applicant.

(f) IFC Appendix B, Section 103, Modifications, is amended as follows:

Section 103.1 Decreases.

Fire flow requirements may be modified downward by the Skagit County Fire Marshal for isolated buildings or a group of buildings in rural areas or small communities where development of full fire flow requirements is impractical. The Fire Marshal may be guided by written procedures entitled “Skagit County Fire Marshal Procedures Concerning Fire Flow and Placement of Fire Hydrants” in making this determination.

Section 103.3 Buildings That May Not Require Fire Flow.

When, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, a proposed building meets the criteria stated in “Skagit County Fire Marshal Procedures Concerning Fire Flow and Placement of Fire Hydrants,” a permit may be issued without meeting the requirements for fire flow for the following:

(i) Single family residences and accessory garages and carports.

(ii) Agricultural buildings in agricultural resource lands as identified on currently adopted zoning maps.

(iii) Buildings exempt by Board of Appeals Precedent. When in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, a building meets the intent of the Board of Appeals precedent requiring that building be:

(1) Less than 4000 sq. ft. in area.

(2) Not an ‘H’ occupancy.

(3) Having 40-foot clear yards on all sides.

(4) In a rural area where fire flow is not practical.

(g) IFC Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution, is amended as follows:

Footnote b

3. Where new water mains are upgraded or extended along streets or roads where hydrants are not otherwise required, hydrants shall be installed for filling tanker trucks at major roadway intersections wherever practical, and the distance between hydrants shall not exceed one mile.

(h) IFC Appendix D is amended as follows:

Section D101.1 Scope: Fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with this chapter and all other applicable requirements of the International Fire Code as required by the Fire Marshal.

Section D102.1 Required Access: Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction when the facility is in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet from fire apparatus access.

Section D103.1 Driveways: Roads serving one (1) or two (2) residential lots is amended as follows:

a. Driveways where a building is less than one hundred fifty (150) feet from an approved access road meeting Section D103.2 of this code have no specific requirements.

b. Driveways that are one hundred fifty (150) feet or more in length and serve one or two residential lots shall meet the following standards:

(i) Width: 12 feet of driving surface with turnouts located every 300 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 distance of not less than 30 feet to allow vehicles to pull over and emergency vehicles to proceed.

(ii) Vertical clearance: A minimum of 13 feet, 6 inches of unobstructed head clearance is required.

(iii) Surface: Skagit County Road Standard for Private Roads as required by the Skagit County Public Works Department or as approved by the Skagit County Fire Marshal.

(iv) Turning radius for turns along the length of driveway: A minimum of 20 feet of inside radius and 50 feet of outside radius is required. (Note: This is not a cul-de-sac standard).

(v) An acceptable means of turning around a fire apparatus must be provided. This does not necessarily require a cul-de-sac for a driveway serving 1 or 2 residential lots. Means of turning apparatus must be acceptable to the Fire Marshal.

(vi) Bridges must meet Skagit County Road Standards as required by the Skagit County Public Works Department.

(vii) Driveway grades 12% gravel or 14% hard surface as approved by Skagit County Fire Marshal.

Section D103.2 Fire Department Vehicle Access Roads—Roads serving other than 1 or 2 residential lots is amended as follows:

a. Width: 20 feet of driving surface.

b. Vertical clearance: 13 feet, 6 inches of unobstructed overhead clearance.

c. Surface: 6 inches of gravel.

d. Turning radius: 50 feet of outside radius.

e. Turnarounds: 70-foot cul-de-sac standards or as approved by the Fire Marshal.

f. Bridges must meet Skagit County Road Standards as required by the Skagit County Public Works Department.

g. Grade: 12% gravel or 14% hard surfaced as approved by the Skagit County Fire Marshal.

h. Where a land division is involved the road must meet Skagit County Road Standards as required by the Skagit County Public Works Department.

NOTE:

1. These standards apply to all building permits and are the minimum for building permit purposes. County platting standards may exceed these standards, and these standards are in no way intended to eliminate the need for full compliance with land division requirements.

2. The Fire Marshal may make modifications to these standards if the road is not buildable because of topography, waterways, non-negotiable grades, or similar conditions. These modifications are based on:

a. The building being protected by NFPA 13D Automatic Sprinkler Systems.

b. Additional fire protection as required by the Fire Marshal.

c. Exceptions may be made for minor additions or small accessory buildings to existing dwellings when in the opinion of the Fire Marshal the addition or accessory building will not create significantly more dangerous situations.

3. For roads accepted or platted by Skagit County prior to June 11, 1990, these standards may be modified by the Fire Marshal provided that, in the Fire Marshal’s opinion, fire fighting or rescue operations would still be possible.

4. On lots not in a fire district and accessible only by water, the access road requirement may be waived if the project meets all of the other requirements of Skagit County Unified Development Code to qualify for a building permit.

5. Emergency vehicle access roads or driveways shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. Width and clearance requirements consistent with these standards shall be maintained at all times.

(i) IFC Appendix K, International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, is amended as follows:

(i) Section K402.1.1, Access, is deleted.

(ii) Section K402.2.1, Access, is deleted.

(Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. R20020270; Ord. 17938 Attch. I (part), 2000: Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 16275, 1996; Ord. 16156 (part), 1996; Ord. 15818 (part), 1995: Ord. 15401, 1994; Ord. 14691 (part), 1992; Ord. 14664, 1992; Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)

15.04.040 Administration.

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners has provided in resolution that Skagit County Planning and Development Services shall administer and enforce the State Building Code within its jurisdictional boundaries. Such administration and enforcement of the State Building Code by Skagit County Planning and Development Services shall include all Codes comprising the State Building Code as enumerated in SCC 15.04.020. (Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)

15.04.050 Violation.

The Prosecuting Attorney is authorized to bring an action in law or equity to enforce this Code; including an injunction to order that any person, firm or corporation or organization who erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, converts, or demolishes, equips, uses, occupies, or maintains any building or structure, or causes or permits the same to be done in violation of this Code shall cease; or that the person be enjoined from using the building or allowing any other person to use the building, or enjoining the person from selling, leasing or otherwise conveying a building found to be in violation of this Code or offering such building for sale, lease, rent or other form of conveyance. (Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)

15.04.060 Civil penalty.

In addition to any other sanction or remedial procedure which may be available, any person, firm, corporation or organization violating any of the provisions of the Code shall incur a cumulative civil penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day, plus billable costs to Skagit County, for each violation, from the date set for compliance until such violation is corrected. If violation is caused by a person, firm, corporation or organization not having title to the subject property, such penalty may be collected by civil action, brought in the name of Skagit County and commenced in the Skagit County District Court. (Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)

15.04.070 Repeal.

All prior versions of Chapter 15.04 SCC are hereby repealed; provided, however, that vesting of existing permits and applications will be in accordance with SCC 14.02.050(1). (Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)

15.04.080 Severability.

Should any Section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Chapter of the Code hereby adopted be declared for any reason to be invalid, it is the intent of the Board of County Commissioners that it would have passed all other portions of this Chapter and of the Code hereby adopted independent of that word determined to be invalid and accordingly such declaration of invalidity shall not affect the validity of this Chapter as a whole nor any part hereof other than the part so declared to be invalid. (Ord. O20100003 Attch. 1 (part): Ord. O20070005 (part): Ord. O20040013 (part): Ord. R20020270; Ord. 17064 (part), 1998: Ord. 14384 (part), 1992)