This zoning case is about getting a code compliant building that meets fire, safety and zoning codes. Today, that structure is far from code compliant. It does not meet current fire and safety ordinances. It also falls short in compliance with many provisions of the International Building Code, International Electrical Code and the International Plumbing Code, all of which have been adopted as part of the West University Place Code of Ordinances. However the current building is “grandfathered” in perpetuity – there is no requirement that it EVER become code compliant.

These “grandfather” rights let the property owner remodel the existing structure in basically any way they want as long as the building “footprint” doesn’t change. The “grandfather” rights also allow uses like a restaurant, a bingo parlor, a paint store, a bank, or a liquor store. This is all without a zoning change.
But the proposed zoning change would require any new structure to meet all current fire and safety laws along with a requirement the new structure been in full compliance with our zoning laws, the International Building Code, the International Electrical Code and the International Plumbing Code.

In my view, our permissive commercial property “grandfather” rules discourage compliance with our fire and safety laws and allow commercial property owners to basically ignore our zoning laws. At some point we need to modernize these “grandfather” laws to encourage code compliance. But, in the short term, his zoning change would at least get us a little closer to that goal.