WAC 51-19-600   General.  The character of the occupancy of historic buildings and structures may be changed, provided the requirements of this chapter are met. Where no specific requirements are included herein, the building or structure shall comply with the Building Code.

     Every change of occupancy to a classification in a different group or different division of the same group shall require a new certificate of occupancy regardless of whether any alterations are required by the HBC.

     If the building or portion thereof does not conform to the requirements of the HBC for the proposed occupancy group or division, the building or portion thereof shall be made to conform to the Building Code except as specified in the HBC. The building official may issue a new certificate of occupancy stating that the building complies with the HBC.

     The relative degree of hazard between different occupancy groups or between divisions of the same group shall be as set forth in the hazard category classifications, Tables Nos. VI-1 through VI-5. A historic building may have its occupancy changed to an occupancy within the same hazard group or to an occupancy in a lesser hazard group without complying with all of the provisions of this chapter. A historic building shall comply with the requirements of the Building Code, except as specified in this chapter, when a change in occupancy will place it in a higher hazard group or when the occupancy is changed to Group A, Division 1 or 2, Group E, H, or I.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.120 and 19.27.074. 91-01-103, § 51-19-600, filed 12/18/90, effective 7/1/91.]