Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee examines performance‑based code pathway for low‑rise housing
Summary
HB 2381 would require the State Building Code Council to adopt a mandatory performance‑based code appendix for low‑rise residential buildings and create a technical advisory group. Supporters said it enables flexibility and innovation; some industry members urged careful drafting and technical assistance.
State staff briefed House Bill 2,381 as a measure to create a performance‑based code compliance pathway for low‑rise residential buildings and to require the State Building Code Council to adopt a mandatory appendix to the International Building Code tailored to Washington amendments.
"A performance based code requires buildings to meet specific, measurable, or predictable performance requirements, rather than prescribing certain methods or materials," Elizabeth Renz, committee staff, said in her briefing, noting examples such as energy efficiency and seismic load.
The bill would apply to buildings of one to six stories that are not classified as high‑rise and would direct the council to convene a technical advisory group including subject‑matter experts and appropriate state agencies. The statute would also create pathways to recognize third‑party evaluations and certifications for compliance.
Supporters, including FutureWise, told the committee they favor giving an option for performance‑based compliance but cautioned that converting the entire code would be technically difficult and requires careful selection of advisory group members. The Building Industry Association of Washington expressed concerns that, at present, nationally accepted energy‑code compliance software is concentrated in the IECC energy code and suggested exploring an energy rating index instead of the current approach.
Committee members discussed the timing of code cycles and the value of aligning with the National Institute of Building Sciences and existing federal work, noting performance pathways could reduce costs and increase flexibility for meeting clean‑building standards. The committee closed the public hearing on HB 2381 and did not take a final vote during this session.
