Template revised September 22, 2016.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
6h
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
February 27, 2018
DATE: February 20, 2018
TO: Executive Director Stephen P. Metruck
FROM: KC Ellis, Sr. Manager, Airport Building Department
Jeffrey Brown, Director, Facilities & Capital Programs
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution 3745 to adopt the 2015 Building Codes, Amendments and
Permit Fee Schedule
ACTION REQUESTED
Request adoption of Resolution No. 3745: a resolution of the Port Commission of the Port of
Seattle adopting the 2015 editions of the International Code Council, Building, Mechanical, Fire
Codes and Fuel Gas Code, the 2015 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, and 2015
Washington State Energy Code and the editorial changes made to the State Building Code by
the Washington State Legislature; repealing certain sections of the Airport Building Code;
adopting new sections of the Airport Building Code and repealing Resolution 3527, as amended.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The building industry, contractors, designers, developers, and project managers depend on
statewide uniformity in the codes that impact their businesses. Projects at the SeaTac airport
are built to the 2015 state code. The adoption of this resolution will update the administrative
portions of the building code to fit with the airport environment. In addition, several building
code amendments will help streamline the permit process.
State Building Code does not include specifications and/or guidelines on transgender or unisex
bathrooms that would allow us to include in an update to our codes (it does allow for a
minimum number of men’s, women’s and family restrooms). The Port, and any other private or
public institution, cannot create building code less than what is allowed in State Building Code.
The Port can, however, adopt a policy stating our intention to construct/house transgender
restrooms at our facilities over and above the minimum number of men’s, women’s and family
restrooms required by State Building Code.
JUSTIFICATION
The State Building Code Council was created to advise the legislature on building code issues
and develop building codes used in the State of Washington. In the course of development of
the State Building Code (otherwise known as Chapter 19.27 RCW), the Council holds public
hearings, considers proposed state amendments, and adopts the international model codes
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 6h Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: February 27, 2018
Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.
and amendments. This process occurs on a three-year cycle. The three-year cycle assures up-to-
date performance for fire, health and life safety codes. The amendments better protect the
public health, welfare and safety of the unique airport environment.
DETAILS
Adoption of the following 2015 editions of the model codes numerated in RCW 19.27 follows:
International Building Code (IBC) with statewide amendments including Appendix E
ICC/ANSI A117.1-09 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities with state wide amendments
International Residential Code with statewide amendments including Appendices F and Q
International Mechanical Code with statewide amendments
International Fuel Gas Code with statewide amendments (noted in the IMC adoption)
2014 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58)
National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) (for LP Gas installations only)
International Fire Code with statewide amendments
Uniform Plumbing Code with statewide amendments including appendices A, B, and I
Washington State Energy Code
International Existing Building Code with statewide amendments found in the IBC
International Swimming Pool and Spa code
International Performance Code
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Status Quo, No action taken
Cost Implications: Lost revenue from $500,000 - $1,000,000
Pros:
(1) Less administrative work for Accounting
(2) Fewer building code provisions
Cons:
(1) Codes not tailored to the airport environment
(2) Permit process will not be streamlined
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Approve 2015 Code Adoption and Amendments
Cost Implications: Increase in revenue between $500,000 - $1,000,000
Pros:
(1) Fire, health and life safety codes customized for the airport environment
(2) Streamlines the permit process
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 6h Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: February 27, 2018
Template revised September 22, 2016; format updates October 19, 2016.
Cons:
(1) More building code provisions
(2) Time delays for permit issuance
This is the recommended alternative.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Draft Resolution No. 3745
(2) Table 109.2 Permit Fee Schedule
(3) Table 109.3 Grading Permit Fee Schedule
(4) Presentation slides
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
February 13, 2018 – The Commission was briefed on the motion to adopt Resolution 3745
June 8, 2004 – The Commission approved Resolution No. 3527
June 6, 2001 – The Commission approved Resolution No. 3454
November 14, 2000 – The Commission approved Resolution No. 3445
August 26, 1997 – The Commission approved Resolution No. 3251
August 8, 1992 – The Commission approved Resolution No. 3119
