Mountlake Terrace council adopts ordinance updating municipal code to 2021 building and fire codes

The Mountlake Terrace City Council voted to adopt an ordinance amending the Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code to reflect the 2021 Washington Building and Fire Codes. The public hearing was opened and closed with no written or oral public testimony, and the ordinance passed on a roll call of present members.

Matthew Gissel, the city’s building official, told the council the amendment updates the municipal code language from the 2018 to the 2021 International Code Series as adopted and amended by Washington State. “Our job and our role in the city of Mountlake Terrace is making sure no matter what the price point is that all these houses meet minimum code criteria,” Gissel said, explaining the goal of adopting the newer code references and allowing the city to incorporate future state amendments automatically.

During the hearing staff noted the 2021 Washington building and fire codes became effective statewide on March 15; city staff said current local projects are already required to meet state minimums and that the ordinance aligns local code references with state law. No public comments were submitted in person, online or in writing during the hearing.

A motion to adopt the ordinance was moved by Council member Ryan and, after a second, the council voted. Present members recorded as voting in favor were Mayor Matsumoto Wright, Council member Ryan, Council member Sonmore and Council member Woodard. Mayor Pro Tem Wahl and Council member Murray were excused earlier in the meeting and did not vote.

Council members thanked staff and moved on to other business; no amendments to the municipal code language were proposed at the meeting.