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Home My WebLink AboutBuilding Code Gradingn 2101 4'" Avenue te1206.217 WSRB J ~ Suite 300 fax 206.217.wfax WASHINGTON SURVEYING Seattle, WA 98121 web www.wsrb.com & RATING BUREAU Mr. David Timmons Manager, City of Port Townsend 250 Madison Port Townsend, Washington 98368 December 7, 2009 Reference: Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule Classification (BCEGS) Dear Mayor Dave A. Torte BCEGS Specialist dave.tofte@wsrb.com (206)273-7159 Cell (425) 260-4790 I wish to thank you and Fred Slota for the cooperation given to me during the recent survey. We have completed an analysis of the building codes adopted by your community and the efforts put forth to properly enforce those codes. It is our pleasure to inform you that your Building Code Effectiveness Grading Classification has improved from Class 4 to Class 3 for one and two family residential property and from Class 4 to Class 3 for commercial and industrial property. The revised classification applies to new buildings receiving a Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection during or after the calendar year in which the revision takes place. Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) is an independent insurance bureau with the primary mission of providing insurance underwriting and rating information to insurers. Your community BCEGS classifications are published by WSRB for use by property/casualty insurers to assist in their underwriting, insurance, and premium development programs for both residential and commercial properties. Insurers can use the BCEGS classification number to offer insurance premium discounts to eligible properties in your community. Attached is a copy of our report, which will provide you with additional information about the classification process and how we have graded various aspects of your community's building codes and their enforcement. We want to highlight the fact that our focus is on property insurance rating and underwriting information and does not consider life safety issues. If you have any questions about the classification that was developed, please let us know. Additionally, if you are planning on any future changes in your codes or their enforcement, please advise us as they may positively impact your classification. The foregoing comments relate exclusively to the relative effect of various conditions upon property insurance rates as determined under our tariffs and schedules which have been filed with and approved by the Insurance Commissioner. They are not to be construed as bearing in any way upon the question as to whether "due care" has been exercised with respect to possible liability for personal injury or damage to property. It is recognized that correctable hazards which could cause or contribute to loss may still exist and need not be identified or commented upon. V truly yo , ~~ D. A. To e Building Code Effectiveness Grading Specialist DAT/dl cc: Fred Slota, C.B.O. w/enclosure Serving the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry Since 1911 BUILDING CODE EFFECTIVENESS GRADING SCHEDULE INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule is to review the available public building code enforcement agencies and to develop a Building Code Effectiveness Classification for insurance underwriting information and rating purposes. The Schedule measures the resources and support available for building code enforcement. It also evaluates how those resources apply to the mitigation of the natural hazards common to the specific jurisdiction. These measurements are then developed into the Building Code Effectiveness Classification number on a relative scale from 1 to 10, with 10 representing less than the minimum recognized protection. The Schedule is an insurance underwriting information and rating tool. It is not intended to analyze all aspects of a comprehensive building code enforcement program. It should not be used for purposes other than insurance underwriting information and rating. The Building Code Effectiveness Classifications developed through the use of this Schedule are only one of several elements used to develop insurance rates for individual properties. Other features specifically relating to individual properties such as construction, occupancy, and exposures have similar importance in the development of these rates. The Schedule is divided into 3 sections: Administration of Codes: This section evaluates the administrative support available in the jurisdiction for code enforcement. It looks for adopted building codes and modifications of those codes through ordinance, code enforcers qualifications, experience and education, zoning provisions, contractor/builderBcensing requirements, public awareness programs, the building department's participation in code development activities, and the administrative policies and procedures. Plan Review: This section assesses the plan review function to determine the staffing levels, personnel experience, performance evaluation schedules, review capabilities, and level of review of building construction documents for compliance with the adopted building codes for the jurisdiction being graded. Field Inspection: The section evaluates the field inspection function to determine the staffing levels, personnel experience, performance evaluation schedules, inspection capabilities, and level of review of building construction for compliance with the adopted code for the jurisdiction being graded. The attached "Classification Details" identify the subject matter, maximum points achievable and the points obtained in the review of your community. This information is provided to you without recommendations and is for your use in understanding the details of the measurement of your building code enforcement activities in relationship to the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule. SECTION 1 ADMINISTRATION OF CODES PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON X00. GENERAL This section evaluates the administrative support for code enhancement within the jurisdiction -- the adopted building codes and the modifications of those codes through ordinance, code enforcers' qualifications, experience and education, zoning provisions, contractor/builder licensing requirements, public awareness programs, the building department's participation in code development activities, and the administrative policies and procedures. 105. ADOPTED CODES Maximum Points Possible 8:00 points Points:Scored 8.00 rots Jurisdictions should adopt and enforce the latest code edition of a nationally recognized building code development and publications organization. To be considered a nationally recognized building code organization, the organization must also provide training, individual certification, and produce/procedure evaluation services. published date ofthe listed codes is within 5 years of the date of the grading: Pts Poss. Scored If the published date of the listed codes is within 5 years 8.00 points 8.00 points of the date of the grading: If the published date of the listed codes is within 6 years 6.88 points 0.00 points of the date of the grading: If the published date of the listed codes is within 10 years 2.21 points 0.00 points of the date of the grading: If an earlier edition of the listed code is adopted: .85 point 0.00 point 108. ADDITIONAL CODE ADOPTIONS Maximum Points Possible 4.00 points Points Scored 4.00 rots If the published date of the listed codes is within 5 years of the date of the grading Pts Poss. Electrical Code 0.67 point Fuel Gas Code 0.67 point Mechanical Code 0.67 point Plumbing Code 0.67 point Enetgy Code 0.67 point Wildland Urban Interface Code 0.65 point Scored 0.67 point 0.67 point 0.67 point 0.67 point 0.67 point 0.65 point 10. MODIFICATION TO'ADOPTED CODES Maximum Points Possible 4.00 :points Points Scored 4.00 points There should be no modifications to the structural design provisions of the adopted codes and referenced standards that would weaken the intent for construction mitigation of natural hazards as defined in the model codes and referenced standards. No proration is permitted in this item. Maximum allowable points = (points credited in Item 105) x 0.125 x 4.0 12 METHOD OF AD~PTION§ 1vlaximum Points Possible 1.00 `point Points Scored 1.00 ,point The building code adopting authority shall adopt and implement a coordinated set of codes published by a nationally recognized building code development and publication organization within 12 months of the publication of the codes. These codes shall be adopted without technical modification affecting natural- hazard mitigation. Full credit must be achieved for Items 105, 108, and 110 to be eligible for recognition under this section Pts Poss. Scored 1.00 point 1.00 point 1 S. TRAINING Maximum Points Possible ' 13:00 points Points Scored 7.95 .points Amount of expenditures for training equaling at least 2% of the annual operating budget for all building department related activities Pts Poss Scored 3.00 points 1.86 points Each code enforcement person receiving the following amount of training per year Pts Poss Scored Administration 12 hours 1.25 points 0.63 point(s) Legal 12 hours 1.25 points 0.52 point(s) Mentoring 12 hours 1.25 points 1.25 point(s) Technical 60 hours 4.25 points 2.69 point(s) Incentives provided by the jurisdiction for continuing education, outside training, certification and certification maintenance Community paid certification exam fees. 0.50 point 0.50 point Community incentive-outside training/cert. 0.50 point 0.00 point Community paid continuing education 0.50 point 0.50 point Education of elected officials of governing authorities in building codes and building code enforcement a minimum of 3 hours per official per year 0.50 point 0.00 point 2 120. CERTIFICATION COMMERCIAL Maximum Points Possible 13.00 points Points Scored. 9:75 oints 120A. CERTIFICATION RESIDENTIAL Maximum Points Possible 12.00 points . Points Scored 9.75 ' oints The credit for certification is as follows: Certification of code enforcement personnel (applicable to the position requirements) through a comprehensive examination representative of the performance area for which certification is sought Residential Commercial Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 8.00 points 7.20 points 8.00 points 7.20 points State or local jurisdiction mandated program for certification Residential Commercial Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.45 point 0.50 point 0.45 point State or local jurisdiction mandated program of certification maintenance through continuing education at least once every 3 years Residential Commercial Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 1.50 points 135 point(s) 1.50 points 1.35 points Program of employee certification in the field they are employed (prior to employment or within one year of date of hire or advancement) Residential Commercial Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 1.00 point 0.75 point 1.00 point 0.75 point Program of employee certification where specific code-related education and experience are required prerequisites to testing requirements Pts Poss Scored 1.00 point 0.00 point 125. BUILDING OFFICIAL"S @UGLIFICATION/EXPERIENCE/EDUCGTION Maximum Points Possible 4.00 points Points Scored 2.50- oint s The following is reviewed: Licensed Architect or Engineer Pts Poss Scored 0.60 point 0.00 point Certification as a building official Pts Poss Scored 0.60 point 0.60 point High School diploma Pts Poss Scored 0.10 point O.l O point 3 College degree Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.00 point Master degree Pts Poss Scored 0.40 point 0.00 point Construction related experience Pts Poss Scored less than two years 0.10 point 0.00 point two to five years 0.20 point 0.00 point more than five years 0.60 point 0.60 point Code enforcement experience Pts Poss Scored less than two years 0.10 point 0.00 point two to five years 0.20 point 0.00 point more than five years 0.60 point 0.60 point Building official experience Pts Poss Scored less than two years 0.10 point 0.00 point two to five years 0.20 point 0.00 point more than five years 0.60 point 0.60 point 130. SELECTION PROCEDURES FOR:BUILDING OY;FICIAL .Maximum Points Possible 0.50 point Points Scored 0.25 inf The selection process for a building official is designed to select the most qualified candidate. Selection through examination Selection through peer review 0.25 point 0.25 point 0.25 point 0.00 point 135. DESIGN PROFESSIONALS Maximum Points Possible. 2.00 points Points Scored 0.00 oint s The credit for design professionals is as follows: If supervisory plan review staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers Pts Poss Scored 1.00 point 0.00 point Ifnon-supervisory plan review staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.00 point If supervisory field inspection staff are graduate or registered architects or engineers Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.00 point 4 140. ZONING PROVISIONS Maximum Points Possible 1.00 point Points Scored 1.00 oint Where possible, special (through ordinance or code amendment) zoning provisions that address mitigation measures for buildings subject to local natural hazards. 145. CONTRACTOR/BUILDER LICENSING AND BONDING Maximum Points Possible 1.00 :point ..Points Scored 0.41 oint Are contractors/builderslicensed and bonded to work in the jurisdiction being graded? Licensing requirement for contractors and builders Pts Poss Scored 0.10 point 0.10 point Licensing by examination Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.13 point Licensing by experience Pts Poss 0.30 point 0.08 point Bonding requirements for contractors Pts Poss Scored 0.10 point 0.10 point 55. PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMS Maximum Points Possible 2•~O points Points Scored 1.91 point(s) The amount of expenditures for public awareness programs equaling a minimum of 0.5% of the annual operating budget for all building department related activities Pts Poss Scored 1.25 points 0.66 point The amount of hours spent by code enforcers on public awareness programs, equaling a minimum of 3 hours per code enforcement employee per year Pts Poss Scored 1.25 points 1.25 point }60 -PARTICIPATIONdN'CODE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES Maximum Points Possible 0.50 point Points Scored 0.50 oiat The building department involvement in code development activities and associations with groups or organizations that assemble building enforcement personnel for the purpose of education and advancements of effective building codes Participates in code change activities Pts Poss Scored 0.25 point 0.25 point Participates in code association/chapter meetings Pts Poss Scored 0.25 point 0.25 point 5 '165. ADMINISTRATT4'E POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Maximum Points Possible 0.50 point Points Scored 0.50 int The credit for "Policies and Procedures" is as follows Is there a formal appeal process that acontractor/builder or architect/design professional can utilize as recourse to a building official's interpretation of the adopted building code/zoning regulations? Pts Poss Scored 0.30 point 0.30 point A policies and procedures guide for employees Pts Poss 0.10 point The policies and procedures guide covers technical code requirements (such that would assist a designer or builder. Pts Poss 0.05 point Publicizing the policies and procedures guide as available to the public Pts Poss 0.05 point _ Scored 0.10 point as approved products listings) _ Scored 0.05 point _ Scored 0.05 point 6 SECTION II PLAN REVIEW 200. GENERAL This section evaluates the plan review function to determine the following: Staffing levels Personnel experience Performance evaluation schedules Review capabilities, and level of review of construction documents for compliance with adopted building code for the jurisdiction being graded 2U5. EXISTING STAFFING COMMERCIAL ..:Maximum Points Possible 9:00 .points Points Scored 7:84 oint s Staffing levels sufficient to assure comprehensive reviews of construction documents for compliance with the adopted building codes for commercial construction points achieved in item 215 x item 205 Maximum allowable points = points posse a in item 205A. ` EXISTING STAFFING`RESIDENTIAL Maximum Points Possible 9.00 points Points Scored 784 oint s Staffing levels sufficient to assure comprehensive reviews of construction documents for compliance with adopted building codes for residential construction Maximum allowable points = Points achieved in item 215 x item 205 points possible in item 215 210. '` 'EXPERIENCE OF PERSONNEL, Maximum Points Possible 1.50 points Points Scored 1.50 oint s Five or more years experience in plan review 215. DETAIL OF PLAN REVIEW COMMERCIAL Maximum Points Possible 11.50 points Points Scored 11.00 int s 215A. DETAIL OF PLAN REVIEW RESIDENTIAL' Maximum Points Possible 11.50 points Points Scored 11.00 oint § The credit for the comprehensiveness of plan review is as follows A. Comprehensive review of plans performed even if they were prepared and sealed by a registered design professional certified in the appropriate field of work. RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 3.25 points 3.25 points 3.25 points 3.25 points 7 B. Structural plan reviews conducted for all proposed building construction or building additions) modifications including a review of the engineering calculations. RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 3.25 points 3.25 points 3.25 points 3.25 points C. A means to evaluate or reference evaluation service reports for substitute products and/or materials for conformance with the intent of the stmctural portions of the adopted building codes. Pts Poss Scored 2.00 points 2.00 points D. A detailed checklist used with each plan review to assure all pertinent building code issues have been considered. RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 1.50 points 1.50 points 1.50 points 1.50 points E. Does the checklist become part of the permanent record RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.00 point 0.50 point 0.00 point F. Detailed record keeping of plan review activity. Records should include number of plan reviews conducted by the department or other approved agency, type of project reviewed codes reviewed against, and date of release. RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 1.00 point 1.00 point 1.00 point 1.00 point 220. PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS'FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE Maximum Points Possible 1.OQ point Points Scored 0.50 int Credit for quality assurance programs for plan reviewers is as follows: Annual employee performance evaluations Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.50 point "Follow-up" plan reviews by a different plan reviewer conducted semiannually Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.00 point 8 SECTION III FIELD INSPECTION 300. GENT/R:4L This section evaluates the field inspection function to determine the following: Staffing levels Personnel experience Performance evaluation schedules Review capabilities and level of review of building construction 305. EXISTING STAFFING'COMMERCIAL Maximum Points Possible ' 9.00 points Points Scored.. 9;00 int s 305 A. EXISTING STAFFING RESIDENTIAL Maximum Points Possible 9.00 points Points Scored 9:00 oinf s Staffing levels sufficient to assure comprehensive reviews of building construction for compliance with the adopted building codes. 310. EXPERIENCE OF PERSONNEL Max~rnum Points Possible 3.00 points -Points Scored 3.00 oinf s Five or more years experience in field inspection Two or more years of construction related experience Pts Poss Scored I.50 points 1.50 point(s) Pts Poss Scored 1.50 points 1.50 point(s) 315. MANAGING INSPECTION AND: REINSPECTION ACTIVITY. COMMERCIAL Maximum Points Possible 1.00 point Points Scored 1.00 oinf 315 A-MANAGING INSPECTION AND> INSPECTION AC IVITY RESIDENTIAL Maximum Points Possible L00 point Points Scored t.00 oinf Detailed record keeping of inspection activity: Records should include number of inspections and reinspections conducted by the department or other approved agency and the codes inspected against (e.g., building, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, electrical). 9 320. INSPECTION CHECKLIST COMMERCIAL Maximum Points Possible 2.00'points Points Scored 0.75 oint s 320A:'' INSPECTION CHECKLIST RESIDENTIAL Maximum Points Possible 2•~9 points Points Scored 0.75.:. int s A detailed checklist completed for each building construction project to assure that all pertinent building code issues have been considered. RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 1.50 points 0.75 point(s) 1.50 points 0.75 point(s) The checklist becomes a part of the permanent record of the project address. Pts Poss Scored Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.00 point 0.50 point 0.00 point 325. SPECIAL INSPECTIONS :Maximum Points Possible 1.00 point Points Scored 1.00 int Where necessary to assure structural integrity, the building department requirement for special inspections for specific structural elements conducted by professional inspectors who have been certified for such work Pts Poss Scored 0.70 point 0.70 point The certification being obtained by a combination o£ Examination Pts Poss Scored 0.10 point 0.10 point Experience in the field of inspection they will be performing Pts Poss Scored 0.10 point 0.10 point An interview by the building official to assess qualifications Pts Poss Scored 0.10 point 0.10 point 330r INSPECTIONS FOR NATITRAL HAZARD MITIGATION Maximum Points Possible 1.50 points Points Scored 1.50 oint s When there are construction mitigation measures defined in the adopted building code for natural hazard(s) peculiar to the area being graded, special inspections that focus on compliance with the provisions of the code 10 335. FINAL INSPECTIONS Maximum Points Possible 2.SO points. Points'Seored 2.50 oint s , Final inspections performed on all buildings after the construction is completed and the building is ready for occupancy. Final inspection is performed for the 1 & 2 family dwellings. Final inspection is performed for all other buildings Pts Poss Scored 1.25 points 1.25 point(s) Pts Poss Scored 1.25 points 1.25 point(s) 340. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY Maximum Points Possible 2:OO points Points,Scored 2:00 oint s Certificates of occupancy issued by the building department after the construction is completed and prior to the building being occupied. Certificates of occupancy are issued for 1 & 2 family dwellings. Pts Poss Scored 1.20 points 1.20 point(s) Certificates of occupancy are issued for all other buildings. Pts Poss Scored 0.80 point 0.80 point 345, 'PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE Maximum Points Possible 1.00 point Points Scored 0.50 oint Credit for quality assurance programs for field inspectors follows: Annual employee performance evaluations Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.50 point "Follow-up" field inspections by a different field inspector conducted semiannually Pts Poss Scored 0.50 point 0.00 point 11 Jurisdiction: Port Townsend, Jefferson County Total Points: State: Washineton Classification: l & 2 Family Dwellings All Other Construction COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL 83.86 83.86 3 3 FINAL SCORING COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL Section 1 41.77 41.77 Section 2 20.84 20.84 Section 3 21.25 21.25 Subtotal 83.86 83.86 Item 105 8.00 The final scoring is determined by a relationship between Item ] OS and the balance r of the scoring. {Section I + Section It + Section tli~ -Item 105} x ~ Points achieved in Item 105 11 + Item 105 L Points possible inltem 105 )J Classification 1 2 3 4 5 Point Spreads 93.00-100.00 85.00-92.99 77.00-84.99 65.00-76.99 56.00-64.99 Classification 6 7 8 9 ]0 Point Spreads 48.00-55.99 39.00-47.99 25.00-38.99 10.00-24.99 0.00-9.99 12