WAC 51-16-030. Exemptions for indigent housing guidelines

Cities and counties are permitted the option of adopting exemptions from the state building code requirements for buildings whose character of use or occupancy has been changed in order to provide housing for indigent persons. The adoption of an ordinance or resolution by cities and counties for the purpose to provide for occupancy exemptions for indigent housing as outlined in this section, shall not be considered a local government residential amendment requiring approval by the state building code council. The guideline shall read as follows: The character of use or occupancy of an existing building located in this state, may be changed in order to provide housing for indigent persons, without conforming to all of the requirements of the State Building Code provided that: 1. The building official has reviewed and approved the proposed exemption; and, 2. The proposed housing for indigent persons is less hazardous than the existing use; and, 3. Any code deficiencies exempted pose no threat to human life, health, or safety; and, 4. The building or buildings exempted are owned or administered by a public agency or nonprofit corporation; and, 5. The exemption is authorized for no more than five years, subject to renewal of the exemption by the building official.