State: Washington

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is considering changes to the factory assembled structures rules. The changes affect L&I’s Factory Assembled Structures (FAS) Advisory Board, and distributing inspection insignia to manufacturers of recreational vehicles. (more…)

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is considering changes to rules affecting the Factory Assembled Structures (FAS) rules. The changes affect L&I’s FAS Advisory Board and distribution of inspection insignia to manufacturers of recreational vehicles. (more…)

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is considering a fee increase to cover operating expenses, including new technology improvements for L&I’s Factory Assembled Structures (FAS) Program.

A fee increase by the fiscal growth factor rate of 6.22 percent is under consideration. At the end of this notice is a list of areas the increase would affect in the Washington Administrative Code. (more…)

Washington 2021 Code Cycle Adoption by the FAS Program

All L&I approved 2018 code cycle plans for: Factory-Built Housing and Commercial Structures (modular buildings), Commercial Coaches, and Temporary Worker Housing expire on June 30, 2023.

Beginning May 15, 2023, manufacturers may submit plans to L&I FAS for the new 2021 building code cycle. It is strongly suggested that any plans submitted after May 15, 2023 be designed to the new codes. 2021 building code cycle plans must be designed to the WA State Building Code which includes: 2021 versions of the International Codes with Washington State Amendments, the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code with Washington State Amendments, and the National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70 – as amended by WAC 296-46B) in force at the time of submittal; currently the 2020 NEC*.

* Washington anticipates the adoption to the 2023 version of the NEC on January 1, 2024. Any buildings being constructed using plans approved under the 2020 NEC will need to be completed within 180 days of the actual WA State adoption date of the 2023 version, or the plans must be updated using the addendum process (fees apply) if you wish to receive inspections and insignia following that date.

It has recently become known that forms and webtools typically available for verification of compliance with the 2021 WSEC Commercial and Residential may not be available until June. This is the earliest projected timeframe from the technical support folks at WAenergycodes.com and the WSU energy program.

All plans submitted for the 2021 code cycle must demonstrate compliance with the new WSEC version included in the WA State Building Code. In an effort to assist with earlier timeframe for FAS submittals, you may:

• Submit documentation that provides all the current applicable information required (as typically included on the 2018 WSEC forms – please consider them as a format guide/template). This document will need to be separate from, and in addition to, the design sheets, assembly details, and notes of the plan set. Our plans examiners will use your energy document(s) for verification of the WSEC compliance of your plans.

For convenience, we have listed some of the items commonly identified during plan review as needing correction – this is not to be considered a complete list. Please ensure:

• The energy code compliance path is clearly stated,
• All assembly information is detailed – material types, locations, R-values and similar,
• All credits/additional efficiency options summarized,
• Any calculations are provided (including source information for values used),
• Supporting equipment specifications are included (highlighting proposed models if applicable),
• Hot water system requirements per Sections C404.3, and R403.5 and similar
• Wall opening percentage including new Section 402.1.4.3 requirements

Once the forms/tools are available –

• We will require any submittals received after the date(s) the actual forms/tools become available to include the available WSEC forms/web tool outputs.
• If your plans are under review, and require energy code comments, we may request that you complete and submit any forms/web tools that are available at that time as part of your plan report response.

This update is provided in addition to the original guidance sent 2/28/23. Please review that document as well for the most complete information. If you have not received the original, please visit this link or email FAS1@LNI.WA.GOV and request a copy.

Feedback about our services at ICC NTA, LLC is always appreciated, and we encourage you to complete our one-question Client Satisfaction Survey.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has adopted rules for review and approval of design plans for factory assembled structures. The rules allow agency-approved, licensed engineers, architects, or firms, to review plans for the following: (more…)

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) proposes a permanent rule to speed review and approval of design plans for factory assembled structures. (more…)

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries(L&I) extended anemergency ruleon Dec. 13 to speed plan review for modular buildings, among other structures.

L&I filed the original emergency rule (CR-103E) on Dec. 20, 2021. The recent filing will extend the emergency rule to April 14, 2023.

The extension provides time for the Factory Assembled Structures Program (FAS) to develop permanent rules. The emergency rule allows licensed professional engineers, architects, or firms to review and approve design plans for conversion vendor units, recreational vehicles (RV), and park model RV’s. It also clarifies design plan requirements for commercial coaches and factory-built structures.

FAS plans to file a proposed rulemaking (CR-102) for permanent rules early next year. The changes under consideration include procedures in the emergency rule. These procedures have successfully lessened the backlog to the benefit of customers and staff.

You can find information about this rulemaking here or by going online to the program’s “Laws & Rules” page. For more information about using licensed professionals for design plan review, visit “Modular & Other Mobile Structures” on the FAS website.

Any questions, please contact us at FAS1@Lni.wa.gov or call 1-800-705-1411, Option 3.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries(L&I) adopted a 5.86% fee increase for permits, inspections, and other services for factory-assembled structures. A fee increase is needed to cover increased operating costs for L&I’s Factory Assembled Structures (FAS) Program. The fee increase is the maximum the state Office of Financial Management allows for the fiscal year 2023. (more…)

Washington LP Approval Emergency Ruling EXTENDED

Please be advised that Washington L&I has extended the emergency ruling and it will now expire on December 14, 2022. An email from L&I stated the extension was not sent, but it is addressed on the website. (more…)

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is considering a fee increase for permits, inspections, and other services for factory-assembled structures. A fee increase is needed to cover increased operating costs for L&I’s Factory Assembled Structures (FAS) Program. L&I is also considering other changes to the rules to update the fees. (more…)

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries(L&I) filed an emergency rule on April 19 to speed plan review for modular buildings, among other structures. This is an extension of the procedure already in place in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). L&I filed the original emergency rule (CR-103E) on Dec. 20, 2021. This rulemaking renews the emergency rule for another 120 days, (more…)

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As you may be aware, late last year Congress extended the $1,000 tax credit for each ENERGY STAR home completed through 2020 and made the credit retroactive to include homes completed in 2018 and 2019. During this period, we launched Version 2 of the ENERGY STAR requirements. SBRA is currently developing program rules that will apply to Version 2 homes. We will post information as it becomes available. (more…)

Please be aware of the definition and egress requirements of a habitable attic as it relates to dwellings built from the 2012 IRC. The 2009 and 2015 IRC verbiage is similar and still applicable. Attics that meet the size and ceiling height criteria of the “Habitable Attic” definition in Chapter 2 are considered habitable. This is applicable to finished and unfinished spaces. Habitable attics require a vertical access and emergency escape and rescue opening. Vertical access can be a fixed internal stair, ramp, or exterior stair. (more…)