The more significant Building Code changes include:

• clarification of what types of repair work require a building permit;
• revisions to the provisions for cancellation of building permit applications;
• amending the provision for mixed use/mixed construction type buildings currently in Section 311.2.2 so that the three-hour occupancy separation may be located anywhere in the building;
• reducing the minimum ceiling height in dwelling units and LC occupancies to 7 feet;
• reclassifying adult family homes from LC (Licensed Care) Occupancy to R-3 to comply with a statute;
• adding provisions regulating adult family homes to better coordinate with DSHS regulations;
• allowing rainwater from marquees to drain away from the building.

Mechanical Code Changes
On May 21, the Seattle City Council adopted changes to the 1997 Seattle Mechanical Code. Most of the changes are minor corrections and amendments adopted by the State last year.

The more significant Mechanical Code changes include:

• amendments to the ventilation regulations consistent with changes to the State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code;
• changes to the commercial kitchen hood sections for consistency between the Mechanical and energy codes.

Energy Code Changes
On May 21, 2001 the Seattle City Council adopted changes to the Seattle Energy Code. The ordinance, which is being called the 2000 Seattle Energy Code, includes the 2000 Washington State Energy Code plus a carryover over of the 1997 Seattle Energy Code. All permit applications submitted after July 1, 2001 must comply with the 2000 Seattle Energy Code.

A summary of the changes between the 1997 and 2000 Washington State Energy Codes has been posted on DCLU’s Seattle Energy Code Website at www.cityofseattle.net/DCLU/energy since January 2001.  The Washington State Building Code Council (WSBCC) made modifications and adopted the new State codes, including the 2000 Washington State Energy Code, in November 2000. The 2000 State codes take effect statewide on July 1, 2001.

The 2000 ordinance is shorter because some of the 1997 Seattle amendments were incorporated into the 2000 Washington State Energy Code, and because two little-used amendments are not proposed to be readopted. In addition, the violations language has been edited to make it consistent with the other codes that DCLU enforces.

Printed copies of the 2000 Washington State Energy Code are scheduled to be available in May from the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO). For more information, visit the WABO website at www.halcyon.com/wabo. Both the Washington State Energy Code and the 2000 Seattle Energy Code will be available from the DCLU Public Resource Center in early July.

Further proposals, known as the 2001 Seattle Energy Code, are currently under review and may be adopted later in 2001. For more information, visit the Energy Code Website at www.cityofseattle.net/DCLU/energy.