Washington Building Codes

Code Change Process

The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) oversees the process of changing building codes in Washington State. Here’s a general outline of how code changes occur:

1. Proposal Submission: Proposals for changes to the building codes can be submitted by any stakeholder. These are reviewed by the SBCC to determine if they warrant further consideration.
2. Review by Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs): If a proposal is accepted for further consideration, it is reviewed by a Technical Advisory Group. These groups consist of experts in various aspects of construction and building codes. They review the proposals in detail and provide recommendations to the SBCC.
3. Rulemaking Process: After receiving recommendations from the TAGs, the SBCC may begin the rulemaking process. This involves several steps including public hearings, allowing for community input and adjustments based on feedback.
4. Final Decision and Implementation: Once the rulemaking process is completed, the SBCC makes a final decision on the adoption of the change. If approved, the change is filed with the Washington State Code Reviser and published in the Washington State Register. The new or amended code becomes effective after the next legislative session.

Code Change Cycle

1. Year One: This is primarily the proposal and review phase. During this year, the SBCC, along with various Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), reviews the existing codes and considers new proposals for amendments. Stakeholders from various sectors can submit proposals for changes or new code requirements.
2. Year Two: This year focuses on discussion and development. The SBCC conducts public hearings and meetings to discuss the proposed changes in detail. This phase allows for extensive public and stakeholder input to ensure the proposed codes are viable and meet the safety and efficiency needs of the community.
3. Year Three: During the final year of the cycle, the SBCC finalizes the adoption of the proposed changes. After the adoption, there is usually a grace period before the new or revised codes come into effect, allowing industries, professionals, and local governments time to prepare for and adjust to the new regulations.
4. Implementation: At the beginning of the following cycle (Year Four), the new codes become effective, and the cycle starts anew with the review of the then-current codes.

Next Code Update

The next update for the Washington State Building Code is scheduled for implementation on March 15, 2024. This update involves the adoption of the 2021 series of model codes along with Washington-specific amendments. Here are the key points about the upcoming code update cycle:

• 2021 Codes Implementation: Originally planned for earlier dates, the implementation was postponed to March 15, 2024. This includes comprehensive updates across various code sections including building, residential, mechanical, energy, and more.
• Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs): Part of the process involves Technical Advisory Groups, which play a crucial role in reviewing proposed changes and ensuring that all amendments meet the required standards before implementation.
• Public Involvement: The code development process includes opportunities for public input through hearings and testimonies, which help shape the final amendments.
• Continuous Review: Even post-implementation, the State Building Code Council (SBCC) continues to review and update the codes as needed, addressing new technologies, safety concerns, and environmental considerations.