IRC tag tables optional visitability appendix after hours of debate

At its Aug. 26 IRC TAG meeting, the Building Code CouncilIRC TAG tabled a proposed optional "visitability" appendix that would let jurisdictions adopt ANSI A117.1 Type C (visitable) unit standards for new one- and two-family housing and small multifamily sites. The tag voted to table the proposal for further edits and benchmark material; the roll-call result reported at the meeting was 4-2 in favor of tabling.

The proposal, presented by Lucas Shattuck (City of Tacoma), would add an optional appendix to the IRC allowing jurisdictions to require a percentage of new dwelling units on a development site to be "Type C" (visitable) units that eliminate a step on the route from on-site parking to a unit entrance and meet limited interior circulation criteria. "This is an optional appendix that we're suggesting," Shattuck told the TAG, adding the appendix points to an existing ANSI standard rather than creating new technical requirements.

Proponents told the tag the change responds to demographic and statutory trends. Alyssa Torres of South Sound Housing Affordability Partners said local population aging statistics support the change: "Pierce County specifically is expecting to see a rise in the population, age 60 and older, increased from 22% in 2020 to 29% in…