Codes
DELAY OF ADOPTION OF THE 2021 IBC/IRC CODES
The 2018 editions of the model codes with Washington State Amendments went into effect on February 1, 2021.
On May 24, 2023, the State Building Code Council voted to delay the effective date of the 2021 editions of the model codes with Washington State Amendments for 120 days.
The new effective date for all 2021 building codes is October 29, 2023. Previously, the effective date was July 1, 2023.
The state amendments to the codes can be accessed by clicking on the menu to the left. The base model code, adopted by reference, should be available at the reference desk at your local library or at the permit counter of your local building department.
If you have any questions about the changes or would like further information, please email Council Staff with the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) at sbcc@des.wa.gov.
State Building Code
The Washington State Building Code is comprised of the model code editions listed below with Washington State Amendments. For your convenience, the Washington State Energy Code is available in its entirety. The 2018 editions of the codes listed below are currently in effect. The State Building Code (SBC) is the minimum construction requirement for the state of Washington and includes:
- 2018 International Building Code (includes the 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa code, and 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1)
- 2018 International Residential Code
- 2018 International Mechanical Code (includes the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2017 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58), and 2018 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) as it applies to LP Gas installations
- 2018 International Fire Code
- 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code
- 2018 Washington State Energy Code
- National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) -- Please see the Department of Labor and Industries for information on the adoption and amendment of the National Electrical Code.
October 29, 2023, the 2021 editions of the code will come into effect and will include:
- 2021 International Building Code (includes the 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa code, and 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1)
- 2021 International Residential Code
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (includes the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2017 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58), and 2021 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) as it applies to LP Gas installations
- 2021 International Fire Code
- 2021 Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
- 2021 Washington State Energy Code
- National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) -- Please see the Department of Labor and Industries for information on the adoption and amendment of the National Electrical Code.
2018 International Building Code
The 2018 International Building Code Document (PDF) contains Appendix G - Flood-resistant Construction. You can search the 2018 IBC for more information on flood construction requirements by searching for the word FLOOD. Below are some examples of where flood-resistant construction code sections can be found.
Appendix G - Flood-resistant Construction:
Is intended to fulfill the flood-plain management and administrative requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that are not included in the code. Communities that adopt the IBC and Appendix G will meet the minimum requirements of NFIP as set forth in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Flood Hazard Areas Section 202 and 1612.3
Section 16.12 Flood Loads:
Within flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, all new construction of buildings, structures and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial improvement and restoration of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads. For buildings that are locate in more than one flood hazard area, the provisions associated with the most restrictive flood hazard area shall apply.
FEMA-TB-11-01 - Crawlspace Construction for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas found in Section 1805.1.2.1
FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1107.7.5
Administration. . . . . . .107.2.6.1, G101 through G105
Elevation certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110.3.3
Existing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.4.7
Flood elevation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107.2.6.1, 1612
Flood loads . . . .. . . . 1603.1, 1603.1.7, 1612, 3001.2
Flood resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1402.6, 1402.7
Flood-resistant construction. . . ... . . . . . . Appendix G
Grading and fill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1804.5, 1805.1.2.1
Historic buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G105.3
Interior finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 803.5.1
Manufactured homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. G501
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104.10.1
Recreational vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. G601
Site improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. G401
Site plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..107.2.6
Subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... G301
Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. G901
Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G1001
ASCE 24 (American Society of Civil Engineers) link to Flood Resistant Design and Construction 24-14