News

The Washington State Plumbing Code is now available for Softcover Purchase and Online Read Only formats. This printing is based on WSR 23-20-029.

The Washington State Building Code Council approved amendments to the tsunami code (International Building Code Section 1615) which adopted the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) published tsunami inundation maps into code. This was an update to the 2018 code amendments that only had partial coverage of tsunami inundation mapping for the State. The code also indicates that practitioners utilize a geodatabase containing information pertinent to engineering and design calculations. This geodatabase is visualized on the DNR online TDZ tool (https://www.dnr.wa.gov/wa-tdz) as an implementation tool to aid in utilizing the tsunami data. However, following feedback from practitioners who are utilizing the tool, DNR realized that the inundation elevation values within the geodatabase and displayed on the online TDZ tool are not reporting correctly in places where land levels are expected to change from earthquake subsidence. The source data from published tsunami inundation mapping for inundation depth (downloadable from the TDZ website) is correct and remains usable to practitioners. Further, practitioners indicated that the DNR online TDZ tool could be made more useful by displaying additional datasets for inundation depth and subsidence.

Considering the inundation elevation dataset has inaccurate values in areas of earthquake subsidence the DNR has taken down the downloadable geodatabase and online TDZ tool to prevent misuse of its potentially incorrect reported values. DNR's intent is that the inundation elevation dataset be corrected, and additional datasets for inundation depth and subsidence be added before the geodatabase and online TDZ tool are brought back online. When complete, the geodatabase's metadata, online TDZ tool, and TDZ website will have amended text documenting and dating the changes so practitioners are aware of the update.

Corrections and Enhancements to the 2021 Tsunami Design Zone (a WSG presentation)

State Building Code Manager Stoyan Bumbalov is leaving his position as manager of the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) to take a job as the Executive Director for the California Building Standards Commission. Effective April 22, Building Code Specialist Dustin Curb will be the interim State Building Code Manager.

Background

Bumbalov oversees a team of four who provide administrative and technical support to the SBCC, facilitate Technical Advisory Groups, and assist local jurisdictions. The staff also facilitate rulemaking, including the public input process.
The SBCC conducts rulemaking to update state codes every three years to align with national model codes and ensure legislative energy policy guidance is up to date. State Building Codes specify minimum requirements to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of building occupants.

What’s next 

"Dustin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him as he steps into the role of Interim State Building Code Managing Director," said Bumbalov.

Curb joined SBCC staff in September 2022, serving as a subject matter expert on code development and other rulemaking activities. He has 17 International Code Council certificates in different disciplines, and brings 11 years’ experience developing, interpreting, and enforcing building codes. Prior to joining SBCC, he led the Island County Building Department's reform of its Flood Plain Development Code, completing probationary requirements to remain in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. His experience in local jurisdictions includes building inspector, plans examiner, code enforcement officer and building official.

Thank you

Gov. Jay Inslee, who appoints the SBCC members, said, “Stoyan has been instrumental to the State Building Code Council for over three years. With his guidance and expertise, the Council successfully navigated extensive and complex code adoption processes and passed nation-leading building codes. Thanks to Stoyan’s leadership, all new buildings in Washington state will be safe, healthy, and efficient.”  
 

Every three years, the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) adopts new model codes with state amendments, as proposed by stakeholders and approved by the Council. The 2021 codes with state amendments were adopted in two groups, with Group 1 finalized in April 2022, and Group 2 finalized in November 2022. The 2021 International Fire Code was in Group 1. The effective date for all 2021 codes is March 15, 2024.

There is a section in the 2021 International Fire Code (Section 308.1.4) restricting the use of grills, BBQs and other open burning devices on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in apartments, condos or other multi-resident buildings. The addition of Section 308.1.4 was not proposed by the Technical Advisory Group working on the 2021 International Fire Code, and the adoption of this section was unintended by the Council.

On March 15, the Council filed an emergency rule for the 2021 International Fire Code Section 308.1.4 to make it clear that the restrictions on Open Flame Cooking Devices are not included in the state’s building codes. The emergency rule is now in effect. This is the link to the emergency rule filing: https://sbcc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/WSR_24_07_059_bbq_combined.pdf

During the 2024 Legislative Session ESB 6120 was passed and signed by the governor.  The effect of this legislation prevents the SBCC from adopting a Wild-land Urban Interface Code until new mapping is completed by the Department of Natural Resources. Local jurisdictions are still allowed to adopt the Model Wildland-Urban Interface Code 

On March 15, the Council filed an emergency rule for the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The Emergency rule Removes all amendment language from WAC 51-55 until new mapping and amendments can be developed. The emergency rule is now in effect. See the following link to view the emergency filing.

https://www.sbcc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/WSR24-07-060_OTS-5271.1_Combined_03152024.pdf 

The State Building Code Council is opening recruitment for Technical Advisory Group Seats for the 2024 Code Adoption Cycle.  Applications should be completed and returned to sbcc@des.wa.gov. 

Application Packet

Technical Advisory Group Page

Current Seats needing to be filled 

On November 28, the Washington State Building Code Council adopted changes for WAC 51-11C Washington State Energy Code - Commercial Provisions and WAC 51-11R, Washington State Energy Code - Residential Provisions, and directed staff to prepare the CR103 forms. These changes will become effective with the 2021 Washington State Energy Code on March 15, 2024. The CR103 forms can be seen here:

Washington State Energy Code - Commercial Provisions
Washington State Energy Code - Residential Provisions

The State Building Code Council is currently deliberating the composition of the Technical Advisory Groups for the 2024 Code Cycle. Public input is welcome. Please submit comments to the SBBC mailbox at sbcc@des.wa.gov. 

Current Technical Advisory Group Composition: 2021 Code Cycle

Proposed 2024 Technical Advisory Group Composition

The Washington State Building Code Council has initiated rulemaking for WAC 51-55 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.  The Sections affected are WAC 51-55-0300 (Chapter 3) and WAC 51-55-0600 (Section 603). Please see the SBCC Rulemaking Page to view filings and proposed draft language. 

The Council has scheduled two public hearings to hear public testimony on proposed changes to the Washington State Energy Code, both the Commercial and Residential provisions. The first hearing is November 21, 2023, at the Yakima City Hall. The second hearing is scheduled for November 22, 2023, at the DES Building in Olympia. Both proposed rules are posted on the Rulemaking page under Off Cycle Rules and on both of the Public Hearing meeting pages.

The Washington State Building Code Council has filed an emergency rule pertaining to energy storage systems regulated under WAC 51-54A-1201 and WAC 51-54A-8000 in WSR 23-11-148. This emergency rule was in effect from May 24, 2023, through June 30, 2023, and was refiled and extended for another 120 days on July 1, 2023 (WSR 23-14-094). Due to the revised effective date for all 2021 codes (March 15, 2024), the emergency rule will be refiled again and will be effective until March 14, 2024.

On September 15, 2023, the State Building Code Council agreed on another delay. The new effective date for all building codes is March 15, 2024. 

Please complete the Public Testimony Sign-Up Sheet and submit to staff by emailing SBCC@des.wa.gov, at least 30 minutes prior to the Hearing.

Note: You do not need to fill out a sign-up form to provide written testimony.

Written testimony must be sent to SBCC@des.wa.gov and received by 5:00 pm on June 28, 2023.

The State Building Code Council voted on May 24, 2023, to delay the effective date of the 2021 codes for 120 days. The new effective date for all building codes is October 29, 2023. Previously, the effective date was July 1, 2023.

The Council also directed SBCC staff to convene two Technical Advisory Groups to consider stakeholder proposals to modify sections in the commercial and residential energy codes. The modification would be intended to address legal uncertainty stemming from the decision in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley recently issued by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Council will accept proposals addressing this issue through June 9, 2023. All proposals must be submitted on the Council's code change proposal form. SBCC staff will compile those proposals for the full Council to consider at a later date. 

The Washington State Building Code Council has filed an emergency rule pertaining to energy storage systems regulated under WAC 51-54A-1201 and WAC 51-54A-8000 in WSR 23-11-148. This emergency rule is in effect from May 24, 2023, through June 30, 2023, and will be rescinded as of July 1, 2023. A new emergency rule is expected to go into effect July 1, 2023.