News

Emergency Rule Adopted: The SBCC doesn't adopt the model code section regulating BBQs. -

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

Emergency Rule Adopted: Rescinding 2021 Wildland-Urban Interface Code -

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 

Technical Advisory Group Recruitment Extended until March 8, 2024 -

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 

Adopted Changes to the Energy Code for EPCA Concerns, Link to CR103 forms -

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

2024 Technical Advisory Groups -

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

2021 Wildland-Urban Interface: Proposed Changes -

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

Public Hearings on Changes to the Energy Code on EPCA Concerns -

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.

Emergency Rule For 2018 IFC -

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.

REVISED EFFECTIVE DATE FOR 2021 CODES - MARCH 15, 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. 

June 28, 2023 - Public Testimony Sign-Up Sheet -

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.

Council Votes to Delay Effective Date of 2021 Code Editions to October 29, 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. 

Emergency Rule For 2018 IFC -

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.

May is Building Safety Month -

For more than four decades, the International Code Council, its members, and a diverse group of professionals for the building construction, design and safety communities have come together to celebrate Building Safety Month.

Building Safety Month provides education for the public about solutions that improve the safety, sustainability, affordability, and resiliency of buildings, infrastructure and communities. Contemporary planning, building materials, design and construction can make our communities more resilient in the aftermath of disasters, fires and other events. 

Building Safety Month unites industries, associations, academia and government under a common goal to protect the public by creating a safe and resilient built environment.

Estimated Submission Period for Proposed State Amendments for Group 2 -

Estimated submission period for proposed state wide amendments for the Group 2 Code Cycle will be between the dates of February 21 - April 8, 2022.

  • Group 2 Codes (IBC structural, IRC, IEBC, IMC, UPC, WUIC, WSEC-R) The anticipated effective date for the 2021 codes is July 1, 2023. 

 

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code Maps -

The Department of Natural Resources has finalized the development of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code maps. The links to these maps are located here on our website.