Building Codes

For historic buildings, achieving code compliance is often perceived as one of the most formidable challenges to any rehabilitation project.  It doesn't have to be.  Innovative treatments and technologies, and the increasing adoption of rehabilitation codes present fresh opportunities for building owners, architects, consultants and local officials. New codes, materials and other planning and technical resources can facilitate life safety goals, while accommodating treatments that preserve the character of historic buildings.

The Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) does not have authority to overrule a local code official.  However, the ruling of the local code official can be appealed to a higher local official or board.

In Washington State three primary building codes are used to regulate the rehabilitation of historic properties: the Washington State Historic Building Code (WAC 51-19), the International Building Code (IBC) and the Uniform Building Code (UBC).  Local governments officially adopt one of these specific building codes.   In addition, a local government may amend or change a code to meet a particular to the local environment and conditions. The jurisdiction may also adopt different codes for mechanical or electrical work, for example. The major code organizations update the codes every three years; however, it may take several years for a municipality to adopt the most recent version. 

Purpose of Codes

The intent of all codes is to provide minimum requirements for new and renovated buildings in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.  Fire prevention and life safety remain the primary focus.  The codes are written so the regulations can be consistently and uniformly interpreted.  However in reality, the codes are often interpreted differently depending on the official. When a local building code official is flexible on interpretation of the code, the official or the city is possibly assuming some liability if an accident occurs.  Be advised that building codes are primarily written to govern new construction. Most buildings fall out of compliance with current codes within a few years of construction as new codes are adopted. Building code requirements vary depending on the occupancy or function of the building. Types of occupancy include: residential, assembly, business, educational, mercantile and others. Another factor considered when applying code requirements is the type of construction. The construction classification categorizes a building according to its fire resistance characteristics. Construction materials and elements are assigned fire ratings, usually in terms of hours until structural failure would occur in a fire.

Washington State Historic Building Code, chapter 51-19 WAC

The Washington State Historic Building Code, chapter 51-19 WAC, has been repealed.

Chapter 34 of the UBC (1997)

Historic Buildings. Repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use of a building or structure may be made without conformance to all of the requirements of this code when authorized by the building official provided.

The building or structure has been designated by official action of the legally constituted authority of this jurisdiction as having special historical or architectural significance. Any unsafe conditions as described in this code are corrected.  The restored building or structure will be no more hazardous based on life safety, fire safety and sanitation than the existing building.

The UBC also has an entire Uniform Code for Building Conservation, which can be officially adopted or, more often, referenced by the code official.

Chapter 34 of the IBC (2009) - Existing Buildings & Structures

Historic Buildings. The provisions of this code relating to the construction, repair, alteration, addition, restoration, and movement of structures, and changes of occupancy shall not be mandatory for historic buildings where such buildings are judged by the building official to not constitute a distinct life safety hazard.

Common Code Problems in Historic Buildings

• Meeting required fire separation between occupancies.
• Number and locations of exits.
• Most areas need two exits (stairs from an upper floor, for example).
• Open stairways (not located inside a fire rated enclosure).
• Transom windows, opening into egress routes or corridors.
• Doors that swing into the egress route.
• Inadequate fire ratings for historic construction materials.
• Stairways that do not provide roof access.
• Exit routes that do not empty to the outside or a safe location.
• Dead-end corridors.
• Open atriums.
• Stairs that are too narrow, steep or have irregular riser heights.

Common Code Solutions for Historic Buildings

• Installation of automatic smoke and fire alarms and detectors.
• Installation of a sprinkler system (alleviates numerous code problems, but costly).
• Self-closing devices on doors to halt the spread of fire and smoke.
• Sensitively covering transom windows on the least visible side.
• The use of fire escapes is allowable, with restrictions.
• Installation of equipment for venting smoke from stairwells and atriums (costly but effective).
• The use of intumescent paint to protect building materials from fire.

Keys to Finding Code Solutions for Historic Buildings

• Understand the intent of the various codes.
• Understand how the applicable codes treats historic buildings.
• Understand the constraints of the local code official.
• Utilize variance and appeal boards.
• Determine the preservation priorities and explain them to the local code official.
• Maximize communication and consult early and often with your code official.