By Peter Rimbos
corresponding secretary
The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council monthly meeting April 5 included the following four topics that were discussed.
• Sheriff’s precinct changes
Maj. Dave Germani described several changes in store for Sheriff’s Precinct No. 3 in Maple Valley. Due to budget cuts and recent annexations, King County is consolidating two unincorporated precincts, No. 2 (north) and No. 3 (south) into one precinct that will comprise 1,600 square miles of area. With this consolidation Germani, will be retiring as of May 1 after 30 years of service with the department. Germani introduced the new combined precinct commander, Jerrell Wills, currently commander of the north Precinct No. 2.
Wills described his background and his 22 years of service with the department. In his career he has worked in north and southwest King County. He has lived in Duvall for 13 years. Starting May 1, Wills plans to split his time equally between the south precinct and the north precinct.
• Rural Economic Strategies
Julia Larson of King County’s Office of Strategic Planning’s provided an update on rural economic policies. Their mission is to sustain and enhance the long-term economic viability of the rural area and resource lands. They have three specific goals: (1) support the diversity and richness of the rural economy by effectively engaging farmers, foresters, rural business owners, rural communities and rural-related organizations in an on-going dialogue; (2) Implement the intent and policies of the King County comprehensive plan in support of a sustainable and vibrant rural economy and (3) promote opportunities for residents to both live and work in the rural area.
King County is currently soliciting recommendations on possible code changes to support flexibility for businesses in the rural area, including agricultural uses. After reviewing recommendations, they will be providing a set of proposed code changes for citizen review this fall. The council will be part of that process.
Larson can be reached at 206-296-1062 or julia.larson@kingcounty.gov.
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Chris Ricketts, King County Department of Development and Economic Services supervisor of the building plan review section discussed potential residential fire code changes regarding sprinkler systems. Chris stated the department has submitted their adopting ordinance for new building codes to the King County Council for approval. This ordinance does not include any new sprinkler requirements for residences. There had been concern voiced at previous area council meetings that new residences would have to install sprinkler systems as part of construction.
Ricketts gave some background on sprinkler provisions. The national board has voted to adopt International Fire Code Section R313–Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems–that would require new residences to install such systems. The state of Washington also has adopted the new code, but has left it up to each jurisdiction (e.g., County, city) to decide on whether to adopt the new code locally. Mr. Ricketts reiterated that King County DDES has not recommended adoption. The King County Council will make a final decision by July 1. These codes are reviewed every three years.
Mr. Ricketts can be reached at 206-296-6750 or chris.ricketts@kingcounty.gov. More information on King County code related to sprinkler systems can be found at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/property/FireMarshal.aspx. Go to sprinkler systems and click on the pdf file.
The next area council meeting is scheduled 7-9 p.m. Monday, May 3 at the King County Sheriff’s Precinct No. 3 Headquarters, 231st Street and state Route169 (across from fire station).
The council meets the first Monday of each month (except on legal holidays) at the sheriff’s Precinct No. 3. Each meeting begins with a public comment.
Comments on council business may be submitted to gmvac_chair@hotmail.com or GMVAC, P.O. Box 101, Maple Valley, WA 98038.
