Updated state building codes that protect health and safety, such as the latest standards for making buildings more resilient during earthquakes, have been adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council. The updates take effect July 1, 2016.

Building codes ensure structures are built and maintained, not only in ways that help withstand earthquakes, but also to:

• Be energy efficient
• Be accessible
• Help prevent the spread of fire
• Meet other life safety requirements

About the building codes

Codes specify minimum requirements to help safeguard the health, safety and welfare of building occupants to help reduce the risk of personal injuries, deaths and property damage. The council adopts statewide building codes and Washington's 39 counties and 266 incorporated cities enforce them.

Using its rulemaking process, the council adopted:

• The 2015 International Building Code, including fire, mechanical and residential codes.
• The 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code.
• The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, with state amendments known as the Washington State Energy Code.

Highlights of this year's updates include:

• Earthquake safety: Updates codes by adopting the latest standards to help all types of structures withstand earthquakes.
• Marijuana facilities: A temporary amendment to the state fire code allows local fire departments to issue permits for marijuana processing and extraction facilities. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board requires local fire department to inspect such facilities and issue permits. The council anticipates revising this temporary amendment in 2016 and seeking additional public review.
• Electric vehicle charging stations: New apartment, office and hotel buildings that have parking lots will be required to put infrastructure in place that supports electric vehicle charging stations.
• Efficient lighting: Energy code updates promote using efficient lighting, such as LED lights.
• Water filling stations at schools: Water bottle filling stations will be required in addition to drinking fountains for new schools or substantial school remodels. Schools smaller than 600 square feet, or with a maximum occupancy of less than 30, would be exempt from the requirement.
• Statewide standards for energy code: An energy code update that standardizes requirements throughout the state, such as for insulation, door and window frames, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, has been adopted. Formerly, requirements were based on a patchwork of various climate zones in the state.

The state building code is updated every three years through rulemaking. As part of its rulemaking process, the Building Code Council held a 45-day public comment period as well as two public hearings. The council considered more than 100 comments prior to adopting the new codes.

The updated codes are available on the council's website.

Quick facts about the Washington State Building Code Council

• The council is part of the state Department of Enterprise Services.
• The council reviews and adopts new editions of national model codes – published every three years – and implements current legislative energy policy guidance.
• The council reviews and adopts code changes requested by groups in Washington.
• The council provides technical assistance and written interpretations to Washington cities and counties.

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