Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Codes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lewis County adopts 2021 building codes, adds two‑foot flood freeboard for new construction
Summary
The Lewis County Board of Commissioners on May 6 adopted Ordinance 13‑62 to update County Title 15 to the 2021 codes, include a two‑foot freeboard to base‑flood elevations for new construction and to align local rules with surrounding jurisdictions and federal lending guidance.
Lewis County commissioners on May 6 adopted Ordinance 13‑62 to update County Title 15 to the 2021 building codes and add a two‑foot freeboard to base flood elevations, a change the county said will apply to new construction.
Doyle Sanford, Lewis County building official and fire marshal, told the commissioners the update keeps county rules current with state regulations and neighboring jurisdictions and benefits builders and the design community. "This is the adoption of title or changes to Lewis County Title 15 to adopt the 2021 codes," Sanford said.
Sanford told commissioners the codes are an "ever evolving document" that allows newer building designs and products. He also recommended adopting a two‑foot freeboard for base flood elevation, which he said would align with FHA and HUD guidance and could help first‑time homebuyers qualify for loans. When asked whether the freeboard applies only to new construction, Sanford replied, "Correct. It would be new new construction." He also said the proposal would follow Initiative Number 266 to avoid penalizing homeowners who choose natural gas or propane.
The board opened a question‑and‑answer period and held a public hearing; no members of the public offered testimony during the hearing. The commissioners voted 3‑0 to adopt Ordinance 13‑62.
The ordinance takes effect as provided in county rules; county staff will proceed with implementation and public notification as required by ordinance adoption procedures.
