The bill aims to adopt national standards for factory-built housing and commercial structures in Washington State by amending existing laws. Key definitions are provided, including "factory built housing," "commercial structure," and "qualified inspection agency," with the latter now requiring approval by the department of labor and industries. The bill emphasizes the importance of inspections being conducted by qualified agencies that are independent and objective, ensuring they disclose any conflicts of interest.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the department adopt rules to ensure the safety and structural soundness of factory-built structures, aligning with national consensus standards published by the International Code Council, Inc. These standards cover various aspects of construction, including plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. The department is also authorized to delegate inspection duties to local enforcement agencies and may set fees to cover administrative costs. During a declared state of emergency, the governor has the authority to waive or suspend fee collections to facilitate government operations and protect public safety.
Statutes affected: Original bill: 43.22.470, 43.22.480