Council forwards four alternative-construction appendices to rulemaking amid seismic and inspection questions

The Washington State Building Code Council on March 20 voted to move four new IRC appendices into formal rulemaking (CR102) that would make alternative construction methods — light straw clay, straw bale, cob and hemp‑lime — available for local adoption.

Roger Heeringa moved the action, seconded by Dan Young, and the Council directed staff to prepare the filing after discussion about technical clarifications. SBCC staff explained the appendices will be available for local jurisdictions to adopt ("not mandatory"), with Washington‑specific edits such as energy‑code cross‑references and climate‑zone language.

Council members raised two technical issues. Several asked why Seismic Design Category E had been added for some appendices and whether the appendices allow use in high‑seismic areas without an engineered design. Staff and TAG representatives said proponents had justified seismic allowances in some tables but that, where applicable, designs would need to be engineered and special inspections could be required. Hoyt Jeter and others urged clearer cross‑references to special‑inspection qualifications so jurisdictions know when to require an approved special inspector.

Todd Beyreuther said staff and the TAG expect public comment will provide further information and suggested those questions be addressed during the CR102 public‑comment period. The Council approved moving proposal 24GP1015R2 to CR102 by voice vote.

What this means: If filed and later adopted, the four appendices would be optional tools local jurisdictions could choose to permit certain alternative construction methods with Washington‑specific edits. Seismic and special‑inspection clarifications remain open for the public comment period and possible editorial fixes prior to CR103.