Last update: 04/15/2008

Important Laws that Apply to Leased Space

Please take a look at the following regulations that should be applied to Real Estate Services' Leased Space Procedure.

Life Safety

Municipal building codes ensure that office space meets minimum standards of safety and health. Most of the tenant improvements or alterations you make to a leased office space will require a building permit. Essentially, this means that occupants must be able to exit the building safely in the event of a fire, that they have adequate ceiling, wall and door clearances so that they can move about within the space safely, and that there are no sharp drops or other conditions which might cause people to trip or fall. The building inspector will examine the job at regular intervals to make sure that the construction does not violate building codes. 

 

Americans with Disabilities Act

The ADA is Federal legislation that is incorporated into Washington building codes. Basically, the construction section of the ADA ensures that persons with disabilities are able to enter and exit buildings, move about and function within the space, get from floor to floor, use the restrooms, respond to fire alarms, and use the drinking fountains. Many ADA standards apply to wheelchair users, but vision and hearing-impaired people also benefit. The State is committed to completely supporting the ADA, and General Administration employs a full-time ADA coordinator to help client agencies implement its requirements. RES architects have extensive ADA knowledge and experience.  For more information, please visit General Administration's information about barrier free facilities.

Prevailing Wage

State law requires that persons who perform construction work on State offices be paid prevailing wage, if the total combined space for all State, municipal, and other public agencies is 50% or more of the building. RCW 39.12 prohibits release of funds to any contractor unless prevailing wages have been paid, or the project is officially declared exempt. Many State office spaces fall under the exemption rules, but because prevailing wage is an important cost consideration, its status must be determined at the beginning of the project.

Employee Parking Restrictions

In order to reduce the state’s subsidization of employee parking, agencies are no longer permitted to enter into leases for employee parking in excess of zoning code requirements unless exempted by the Director of General Administration. (RCW 43.01.240 (3)) The law applies to all state facilities (owned or leased) except colleges and universities. For more information, please check: