Alert: 2018 Seattle Building Code Implementation

ALERT: SEATTLE BUILDING CODE IMPLEMENTATION

The City of Seattle’s 2018 Building Code (SBC) will go into effect on February 1, 2021.  For projects to remain under the 2015 code we recommend submitting the building permit application to SDCI no later than January 22, 2021 to allow adequate time for intake processing and fee payment.  

There is no 60-day grace period beyond the adoption date for earlier code editions to be applicable. In order to submit a building application using the 2018 Code before it has been adopted, you may do so with the City’s ‘code alternate’ approval option described in Section 104.5 of the SBC. It is important to note that projects taking this anticipatory approach will need to comply with all 2018 codes, i.e. the 2018 Seattle Energy Code, Fire Code, Mechanical Code, etc. Read more on the City’s website.

WHAT CARON ANTICIPATES

The 2018 Seattle Building code will require improved energy efficiency for all new and substantially altered buildings in Seattle. Other jurisdictions within Washington State will also be adopting the 2018 International Building Code with Washington State Amendments on February 1, 2021 and those impacts should be evaluated on an individual basis.