Highlights

• DPD’s only significant fee changes for 2004 are due to new building valuation data in the International Codes, which will be implemented statewide this year. Details on International Codes.
• The new Building Valuation Table goes into effect March 1, 2004 along with DPD’s new Fee Rule (Director’s Rule 1-2004). For a comparison of fee changes between 2003-2004, view examples.
• The following DPD fees did not change: electrical, sign, and site development permits; elevator and boiler certification; elevator, boiler and furnace installation; and refrigeration and boiler/steam licensing.
• The curbcut and sidewalk cafe fees DPD collects for the Seattle Department of Transportation have increased for 2004.
• To guarantee vesting at current fee rates, applicants must have a complete building permit application accepted by DPD by close of business on Friday, February 27, 2004. To schedule an intake appointment, contact our Applicant Service Center, 20th floor, Key Tower, 700-5th Ave., (206) 684-8850. Hours

Background on Building Valuation Changes
As a part of implementing the new International Building Code and International Residential Code, DPD will adopt the International Code Council’s (ICC) building valuation table as part of our 2004 Fee Rule. The new valuation table will go into effect on March 1, 2004.

If the new valuation table had not been adopted, DPD would have increased the fees in the existing valuation table by 3 percent for 2004—an increase that normally would have gone into effect on January 1, 2004. Rather than adopting a revision to the existing table for the first half of 2004 and then adopting the ICC valuation table in July when the new code becomes effective, DPD is electing to implement the ICC valuation table in advance of implementing the code itself to eliminate the need to change fees twice in 2004.

New International Codes Take Effect in 2004
The 2003 editions of the International Building, Residential, Mechanical and Fire Codes (I-Codes) will replace the Uniform Codes this summer.* DPD is trying to stay with the State’s effective date of July 1, 2004, but adoption of the codes in Seattle may take a bit longer.

Meanwhile, applicants may use the I-Codes before Seattle formally adopts them, but should call (206) 684-8850 for a presumittal conference before proceeding with design. During the 60-day period after the effective date, applicants can choose whether to use the I-Codes or the Uniform Codes.

Details on the new codes have been explored in dpdINFO, our monthly newsletter, over the past year. Copies of the new codes can be purchased from the Washington Association of Building Officials, (360) 586-6725, or from the International Code Council, (800) 284-4406.

The public is invited to review and comment on Seattle's draft amendments through March 25, 2004. If you have questions or would like a copy of the draft codes, visit DPD's Technical Codes website or contact:

Maureen Traxler, DPD Tech Codes, (206) 233-3892, maureen.traxler@seattle.gov

* NOTE: The Uniform Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, and Washington State Energy Code with Seattle amendments will continue to be enforced in Seattle and Washington.