Per code, vacant buildings may not have unpainted plywood on windows more than 30 days

The windows of the Yankee Grill, along with the rest of the windows on the first floor of the former Red Lion hotel complex, have been covered with OSB. Per Renton Code, within 30 days these materials are supposed to be replaced with glass or architectural materials that match the building. King County is currently leasing this former hotel/convention/restaurant complex.

I’ve been asked whether vacant buildings, like the former Red Lion and former Boeing office buildings on Park Avenue, are allowed to have windows indefinitely covered with untreated plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).  The answer is no.

According to Renton Code, after 30 days the windows must be either properly repaired with glass, or covered with finished grade plywood that has been painted to architecturally match the building.

Here are the words from the Renton Municipal Code section regarding vacant buildings:

301.3.2.1 Architectural (cosmetic) structural panels: Architectural structural panels may be used to secure windows, doors, and other openings provided they are cut to fit the opening and match the characteristics of the building. Architectural panels may be of exterior grade finished plywood or Medium Density Overlaid plywood (MDO) that is painted to match the building exterior or covered with a reflective material such as plexi-glass.

Exception: Untreated plywood or similar structural panels may be used to secure windows, doors and other openings for a maximum period of thirty (30) days.

Owners of 535 Park Avenue, a former Boeing building, have been using unpainted OSB to secure the building. Renton Code requires the material be replaced with glass or painted architectural grade materials in 30 days.

Here is a link to the code,

Below the cut I’ve added further excerpts from the vacant building maintenance code.

Renton Municipal Code:

4-5-130 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE:

A. INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE ADOPTED:

The 2018 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) is adopted as amended, added to, or excepted in this title, and shall be applicable within the City, except Chapter 1, Scope and Administration, and Sections 303, 307, 308, and 507, which are not adopted. The Construction Administrative Code, as set forth in RMC 4-5-060, shall be applied in place of IPMC Chapter 1, Scope and Administration. (Ord. 5710, 4-14-2014; Ord. 5810, 7-11-2016; Ord. 6010, 1-25-2021)

B. AMENDMENTS:

The following amendments to the Code are hereby adopted:

1. Section 301.2, Responsibility, of the 2018 Edition of the IPMC, is amended to read as follows:

Responsibility: The owner of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in this code. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy premises which are not in a sanitary and safe condition and which do not comply with the requirements of this section.

301.3 Vacant buildings: All vacant buildings and premises thereof must comply with this Code. Vacant buildings shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or otherwise adversely affect the public health, safety, or quality of life.

301.3.1 Appearance: All vacant buildings must appear to be occupied, or appear able to be occupied with little or no repairs.

301.3.2 Security: All vacant buildings must be secured against outside entry at all times. Security shall be by the normal building amenities such as windows and doors having adequate strength to resist intrusion. All doors and windows must remain locked. There shall be at least one operable door into every building and into each housing unit. Exterior walls and roofs must remain intact without holes.

301.3.2.1 Architectural (cosmetic) structural panels: Architectural structural panels may be used to secure windows, doors, and other openings provided they are cut to fit the opening and match the characteristics of the building. Architectural panels may be of exterior grade finished plywood or Medium Density Overlaid plywood (MDO) that is painted to match the building exterior or covered with a reflective material such as plexi-glass.

Exception: Untreated plywood or similar structural panels may be used to secure windows, doors and other openings for a maximum period of thirty (30) days.

301.3.2.2 Security fences: Temporary construction fencing may be used for a maximum period of thirty (30) days as a method to secure a building from entry.

301.3.3 Weather protection: The exterior roofing and siding shall be maintained as required in section 304.

301.3.4 Fire Safety:

301.3.4.1 Fire protection systems: All fire suppression and alarms systems shall be maintained in a working condition and inspected as required by the Fire Department.

301.3.4.2 Flammable liquids: No vacant building or premises or portion thereof shall be used for the storage of flammable liquids or other materials that constitute a safety or fire hazard.

301.3.4.3 Combustible materials: All debris, combustible materials, litter and garbage shall be removed from vacant buildings, their accessory buildings and adjoining yard areas. The building and premises shall be maintained free from such items.

The code looks like this online