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Answers & Opinions

The Council's Policies and Procedures, in WAC 51-04-060, allows the Council to issue opinions (interpretations) relating to the codes at the request of a local or state official, or their designee, responsible for implementation and enforcement of the specific code provision on which the opinion (interpretation) is requested. For the Council to provide a formal opinion (interpretation), a letter requesting the opinion (interpretation) needs to be submitted by a code official. The final opinions (interpretations) of the Council are advisory only. Opinions (interpretations) that have been finalized are provided through the links to the left.

Some of the opinions (interpretations) refer to illustrations, diagrams, and attached documentation. These supporting documents are not posted on the Web. If you would like a copy of a supporting document please request it from Council Staff.

Answers and Code Interpretations

Year Interpretation Number Code Section Number Code Edition
2013 13-04 IBC 1509.7 PV panel fire classification International Building Code 2012
2013 13-03 IFC 404.3.3 Lockdown plans/IFC 915 Alerting systems International Fire Code 2009
2013 13-02 R403 Footings International Residential Code 2009
2013 13-01 404.4, Automotive repair facilities International Mechanical Code 2009
2012 12-02 IRC 315.2 and IFC 4603.8 - Existing dwellings - deadline for compliance International Fire Code
2012 12-02 R315.2  Existing Dwellings - Deadline for compliance International Residential Code
2012 12-01 IBC/IFC 908.7 Carbon Monoxide Alarms International Building Code
2012 12-01 IFC/IBC 908.7 Carbon Monoxide Alarms International Fire Code
2012 12-01 R315.2 Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Dormitories International Residential Code
2011 11-20 IBC 3410.1 Moved Buildings International Building Code
2011 11-20 R102.7.2 Moved Buildings International Residential Code
2011 11-19 503.8.1, Ductless Heat Pump Thermostatic Controls WA State Energy Code-Residential
2011 11-18 Chapter 45, Marinas International Fire Code
2011 11-16 1202, Whole Building Energy Metering WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-15 Table 12-1, Metering Thresholds WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-14 1132, 1203 Energy Metering, existing building WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-13 1203, Energy Metering, existing building WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-12 Chapter 12, Energy Metering WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-11 Chapter 12, Energy Metering WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-10 1203, Energy Metering, core & shell bldg. WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-08 IFC 907.2.9, Carbon Monoxide Alarms International Fire Code
2011 11-07 Tables 13-1/13-2, 1009 Mass Walls WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-06 1132.2 Existing Building Mechanical Systems WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-05 903.2.3 Group E Sprinklers International Fire Code
2011 11-05 IBC 903.2.3 Group E sprinklers International Building Code
2011 11-04 503.10.1 Ducts WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-03 502.4.5 Building Air Leakage Testing WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-02 505.1 Interior Lighting WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2011 11-01 R403.1.3 Lap Splices International Residential Code
2010 10-05 IMC Table 403.8.5.1, IRC Table 1508.3 International Mechanical Code
2010 10-05 IRC Table M1508.3, IMC Table 403.8.5.1 International Residential Code
2010 10-03 IFC 907.2.9, Carbon Monoxide Alarms International Fire Code
2010 10-02 IBC 101.2, 310.1, IRC 101.2, Transient Housing R-1 status International Building Code
2010 10-01 IRC AS107.1, Fire Sprinklers International Residential Code
2009 09-03 IFC 3301, Explosives International Fire Code
2009 09-02 IBC 903.2.1.6, IFC 903.6.2 International Building Code
2009 09-02 IBC 903.2.1.6, IFC 903.6.2 International Fire Code
2009 09-01 IRC R307, UPC 407.6, 411.7 Uniform Plumbing Code
2009 09-01 IRC R307, UPC 407.6, 411.7 International Residential Code
2008 08-09 IBC/IFC 202, 903.2.1.6  Nightclubs International Fire Code
2008 08-09 IBC/IFC 202, 903.2.1.6  Nightclubs International Building Code
2008 08-08 IFC 2206.7  Ethanol fuel dispensing stations International Fire Code
2008 08-07 IBC 2902.3.1, 2903.4.1, Plumbing fixture calc International Building Code
2008 08-06 M1307, G2408, Elevation of ignition source International Residential Code
2008 08-05 Table 11-1, Economizer Options for Existing Buildings WA State Energy Code-Commercial
2008 08-04 608.7, Vaccuum relief valves Uniform Plumbing Code
2008 08-03 R403.1.6, Foundation anchorage International Residential Code
2008 08-02 R602.10.11.1, Braced wall lines International Residential Code
2008 08-01 3409, Existing Buildings International Building Code
2008 08-01 IBC 2902.2.1, 3409.7, Plumbing fixture calculation International Building Code