Seattle is proposing changes to the 2006 residential and building codes that could take effect in August or September 2008. Some of the proposals reflect changes made by the State Building Code Council and others clarify certain sections or solve problems that have arisen since the codes were adopted in 2007.

All of the proposed amendments to the residential code are amendments previously adopted by the State Building Code Council (SBCC). Changes to live load requirements for decks and exterior balconies, and changes to clothes dryer exhaust duct protection provide consistency with the current requirements in the building and mechanical codes. Other proposed amendments clarify the requirements for moisture protection of exterior walls and siding, and modify the structural independence requirements for townhouses.

New Seattle Building Code amendments add a definition of “suite” for hospitals and add related interpretations; clarify requirements for elevator machine rooms; clarify sizing and power requirements for elevator cars; and modify Seattle requirements for single-exit buildings.

We anticipate the proposals will be considered by the City Council in July and take effect at the end of summer. The draft amendments are posted on DPD’s Technical Codes website under “Code Amendments.”