flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem

Codes and Standards

Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem

The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | November 29, 2016

Pixabay Public Domain

Seattle has implemented a new regulation to reduce the number of rats occupying vacant buildings.

The port city ranks first in the U.S. in the number of rats living within its borders. The new rat eradication regulation goes into effect in 2017. It requires developers to prove they have consulted with a pest-control professional before any vacant building is demolished. If the inspection discovers a rat infestation, the rodents must be eradicated before the building can be torn down.

Existing regulations make controlling a rat problem the responsibility of the building owner. When a developer buys a vacant building, the rat problem can become significant while the owner prepares to redevelop the property.

Making matters worse, Seattle is in the midst of a construction boom. Many vacant properties are facing demolition, and rats tend to move from formerly vacant properties into neighboring homes or buildings.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2017

New guide examines multifamily high-performance ventilation

The focus is on cost and performance of various systems.

Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2017

Canada’s national building codes will encompass effects of climate change

Forecasted data, not historical data, will be used as the basis for the codes.

Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2017

ConsensusDocs updates standard short contract editions

The updates address industry changes impacting insurance, legal, technology, and terminology.

Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2017

ASCE updates standard for structures using tensile membrane

The new sstandard combines guidelines for conventional tensile membrane structures with frame-covered membrane structures.

Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2017

EPA's 2017 Construction General Permit now in effect

The regulation governs compliance with effluent limits.

Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2017

Concern grows for high tide flood vulnerability in Mid-Atlantic states

Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, Md., could flood every three days by 2045.

Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2017

Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value

A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.

Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017

Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues

New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.

Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017

Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards

The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.

Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017

Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis

Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021