The bill aims to implement the International Wildland Urban Interface Code in Washington State by amending existing building codes. It reenacts and amends RCW 19.27.031 to include the International Wildland Urban Interface Code as a mandatory component of the state building code, replacing previous references to only certain portions of the code. Additionally, it specifies that the state building code will consist of various model codes, including the International Wildland Urban Interface Code, which will be adopted in its entirety. The bill also updates the designation of the state's climate zones for building purposes.

Furthermore, the bill amends RCW 19.27.560 to establish that the state building code will incorporate the technical provisions of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code upon the completion of a statewide wildfire hazard map and a base-level wildfire risk map for each county. It allows counties, cities, and towns to adopt the code in whole or in part and mandates that any local amendments cannot exceed the minimum performance standards set forth in the state code. The bill also outlines the process for local jurisdictions to create their own wildfire hazard maps and emphasizes the requirement for compliance with the state code for building permits in high hazard areas.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.27.560