Tumwater Planning Commission endorses update to demolition code 

The Tumwater Planning Commission recommended the adoption of an updated demolition code to address regulatory gaps in building foundations. 

The commission voted to endorse an ordinance containing the amendments at a meeting  on Tuesday, June 23, after a presentation by Community Development Director Brad Medrud and a public hearing. 

Medrud explained the ordinance would amend a chapter of the Tumwater Municipal Code dealing with building demolition, as its provisions currently do not provide explicit language for removing foundations. He added the issue has led to safety hazards and code enforcement issues. 

The ordinance introduces a new section requiring all foundations and concrete slabs must be removed when a structure is completely demolished, unless otherwise authorized by a building official. 

It also expands the steps for securing a demolition permit by requiring applicants to submit a work schedule that describes how the site will be addressed after demolition, including details for removing foundations, final site grading and erosion control. 

An existing requirement asks developers to provide an itemized statement of valuation for the demolition and restoration work. The ordinance expands the definition of “valuation” so that the cost of removing foundations is excluded from the calculation. 

Medrud said the amendment addresses situations when foundations are reused for the next building on a property. 

Additionally, the ordinance amends the definition of “demolition” to include foundations and defines “foundations” based on the International Building Code. 

Medrud said a review of the ordinance under the State Environmental Policy Act process has been completed. The ordinance will now be passed to the General Government Committee on July 15 for further review before the Tumwater City Council considers it for adoption on July 21.