This course will be an online seminar.
Course Description: The Wildland-Urban Interface Code, nicknamed WUI, is the newest code to join Washington’s building codes. The code outlines specific guidelines and practices to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading from the wilderness into urban areas.
The first step in compliance is familiarizing yourself with the specific regulations outlined in the WUI code. Some aspects of the code are determined by the local jurisdiction, so it is imperative to become familiar with the conditions and requirements that will impact construction and enforcement in the specific jurisdiction where you work.
Highlights
Defensible Space
Creating defensible space around a structure is one of the primary goals of the WUI Code. This involves removing or reducing the vegetation and flammable materials that could potentially fuel a wildfire.
Building Materials and Design
The use of fire-resistant materials in construction is also specified in the WUI. This includes everything from the windows to the walls, to vents, and more.
Adequate Access, Water Supply, and Fuel Source Clearances
Unimpeded access to the property with adequate clearance for emergency vehicles, sufficient water supply, and clearance from surrounding fuel sources are critical factors in determining compliance with the WUI Code. The AHJ is required to input local parameters in their adoption of the WUI that specify how those factors are applied to specific properties.
Course Attendees: This course is designed for permit technicians, planners, plans examiners, fire plans examiners, inspectors, fire inspectors, building and planning department supervisors, and building officials.
Course Documentation: Upon completion of the training, a certificate for 4-hours of (non-ICC Certified) CEU's will be emailed to each attendee.
Course Material: This course will use the 2021 WAWUIC as the basis of the presentation. This course will be an online seminar using Microsoft PowerPoint as the method of presentation.
Instructor Bio: Your instructor, Micah Chappell, works for the City of Seattle as the Technical Code Development Manager and also serves as chair of the WABO Technical Code Development Committee. Additionally, Micah serves on the WA State Building Code Council representing Building Code Enforcement professionals where he was heavily involved in the development of the Washington State WUIC, as well as the development of several other state codes, while performing the duties of SBCC BFP committee chair, Residential Code TAG, and Plumbing Code TAG groups.
General Questions Contacts:
Michael Niemer, michael.niemer@snoco.org
Nate Tilson, NTilson@bellevuewa.gov