During the 2018 legislative session, the 65th Legislature passed E2SHB - 1622 which increases the State surcharges collected by cities and counties when issuing building permits. These surcharges are the funding source for the operations of the State Building Code Council (SBCC), and have remained unchanged ($4.50) since 1985. The new surcharge rates become effective July 1, 2018 and apply to building permits issued on or after this date. E2SHB - 1622 surcharge increases and new definitions are outlined below:
Prior to July 1, 2018 the SBCC fees are as follows:
- $4.50 fee to the SBCC for each issued building permit plus an additional surcharge of $2.00 for each residential unit after the first unit.
Effective July 1, 2018 the SBCC fees will be as follows:
- Residential building permits: $6.50 fee to the SBCC for each building permit issued, plus an additional surcharge of $2.00 for each residential unit after the first unit.
- Commercial building permits: $25.00 fee to the SBCC for each building permit issued, plus an additional surcharge of $2.00 for each residential unit after the first unit.
E2SHB - 1622 provides the following new definitions:
- Residential building permit - means a building permit is issued by a city or a county to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building containing only dwelling units used for independent living of one or more persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and structures accessory to dwelling units such as detached garages and storage buildings.
- Commercial building permit - means a building permit issued by a city or county to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building not covered by a residential building permit.