Uniform building codes allow architects, engineers, contractors and other professionals to work across the country with a consistent set of requirements. The International Code Council (ICC) was established in 1994 to create a single set of national model construction codes. It was formed by three non-profit organizations that previously created their own model codes.
Many states and other governmental entities adopted these codes as part of their statutes and regulations. RCW § 19.27.031 states that all counties and cities shall adopt the primary model codes from the ICC such as the Building Code, Fire Code, Fuel Gas Code, Mechanical Code and the Residential Code. King County Code 16.02.110 and Seattle Municipal Code 22.110.010, 22.150.010, etc. have adopted these codes by reference, with additional amendments.
The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is a state agency that provides independent analysis and advice to the Legislature and the Governor’s Office on state building code issues. It also establishes minimum requirements by reviewing, developing and adopting the state building code. The SBCC regulations can be found in chapter 51 of the Washington Administrative Code. The SBCC also provides interpretations to the uniform codes that it promulgates. These are available on its Web site at www.sbcc.wa.gov.
In addition to the uniform codes listed above, the ICC has several other codes. The first Model Energy Code was published by the Council of American Building Officials in 1983. Today, the ICC publishes the Model Energy Code as the International Energy Conservation Code. Individual cities, including Arlington, Battle Ground and Orting, have adopted this code.
Washington also has promulgated the Washington State Energy Code 2006 (WAC 51-11). Seattle has adopted an energy policy in the Seattle Municipal Code — SMC 25.05.675(E) — as well as additional amendments to the Washington State Energy Code — SMC 22.700. On the city’s Web site, you can find the text of the code as well as other helpful documents such as Client Assistance Memos, forms and Director’s Rules — www.seattle.gov/dpd/Codes/Energy_Code/Overview/.
King County has extensive references to the Washington State Energy Code through chapter 16 of the King County Code. Information Bulletin #17 from the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services answers many of the commonly asked questions about the implementation of the State Energy Code — www.metrokc.gov/ddes/acrobat/cib/27.pdf.
Other codes promulgated by the ICC include the Uniform Solar Energy Code and the Property Maintenance Code. All of these uniform codes are available in the King County Law Library. Take a look the next time you visit the library.
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