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Building Code Reference Library
Washington Building Codes
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Below you can find links to Building Codes and Authorities Having Jurisdiction for the state of Washington. To change to another state, click on the map to the right.
This information is obtained directly from the source -- the city, county and state building departments that issue these codes. If you find an error, please send an e-mail with the updated information to RCDWebmaster@ReedBusiness.com.
Notes Concerning Washington Building Codes
• Washington has adopted a statewide building code, State Building Code (SBC).The building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire codes are mandatory minimum codes for all jurisdictions. The SBC is incorporated in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in several chapters (see below for specific numbers).
• Washington updates its codes every three years.
• Washington updates its codes every three years.
The adoption of the 2009 International Building, Residential, Mechanical and Fire Codes and the 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code, with state amendments, will be effective on July 1, 2010, along with amendments to the Washington State Energy Code.
Washington Building Codes
| Code Type | Code Model | Amendment Contact |
| Building/Dwelling Code | IBC 2009 (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-50) IRC 2009 (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-51) | Online |
| Structural Code | IBC 2009 (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-50) | Online |
| Plumbing Code | UPC 2009 (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-56 and 51-57) | Online |
| Mechanical Code | IMC 2009 (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-52) | Online |
| Electrical Code | NEC 2006 [Laws, Rules & Reg. For Installing El. Wires & Equip. (WAC) 296-46b] | Online |
| Fire/Life Safety Code | IFC 2009 (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-54 | Online |
| Accessibility Code | ADAAG (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-40) | Online |
| Energy Code | 2009 Washington State Energy Code (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-11) | Online |
| Elevator Code | ASME A17.1-2004; A17.1a-2005 | Online |
| Gas Code | IMC 2009 (NFPA 58 & 54) (State Building Code, WAC Chapter 51-42) | Online |
| Boiler Code | ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code 2007; NBIC 2007 with addenda | Online |
| Other Codes | Ventilation and IAQ Code (State Building Code, WAC Ch. 51-13) | |
Washington Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Authorities Having Jurisdiction are those government officials who are the final authority on questions in a particular area (or jurisdiction).
| Jurisdictional Area | Contact |
| Structural | Tim Nogler Phone: (360) 725-2969 Fax: (360) 586-9383 |
| Plumbing | Krista Braaksma Phone: (360) 725-2964 Fax: (360) 586-9383 |
| Mechanical | Krista Braaksma Phone: (360) 725-2964 Fax: (360) 586-9383 |
| Electrical | Joanne McCaughan Codes Specialist Phone: (360) 725-2970 Fax: (360) 586-9383 |
| Accessibility | Krista Braaksma Phone: (360) 725-2964 Fax: (360) 586-5880 |
| Energy | Krista Braaksma Phone: (360) 725-2964 Fax: (360) 586-9383 |
| Planning/Land Use | Growth Management Services Phone: (360) 753-2222 |
| Environmental | Department of Ecology Phone: (360) 407-6000 |
| Health Department | Department of Environmental Health Phone: (360) 236-3000 |
| Fire Marshal | Chuck Duffy State Fire Marshal Phone: (360) 596-4000 |
| Forestry/Parks | Department of Natural Resources Phone: (360) 902-1000 |
| Transportation | Department of Transportation Phone: (360) 705-7000 |
| Boiler Inspector | Linda Williamson Phone: (360) 902-5270 Fax: (360) 902-5292 |
| Elevator Inspector | Bill Watson Chief Elevator Inspector, Dept. of Labor & Industr Phone: (360) 902-6128 Fax: (360) 951-7740 |
Washington Building Code Website