Alert: 2018 Seattle Building Code Delayed

Alert: Postponement of 2018 Seattle Building Code

In light of recent developments related to our region’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and other factors, the City of Seattle has delayed adoption of the 2018 Building Code (SBC) from Wednesday, July 1st until Sunday, November 1, 2020. This change follows Washington State’s delay in implementing its updated construction codes. If the effective date for the 2018 Washington State building codes is postponed beyond November 1st, the City will align the SBC’s effective date with those of the state.

The revised final deadline to submit and provide payment for an application using the 2015 Building Code is now Friday, October 30th. In consideration of processing times and the scheduling of required reviews, it may be advisable to apply for permitting under the 2015 SBC by Monday, September 28th.

It is still the case that there will not be a 60-day grace period provided beyond this revised adoption date, unlike in previous transitions between building codes. Read more on the City’s website.

 

What Caron Anticipates

It is our expectation that this development will not result in a significant change to the overall increase in time and cost of permitting projects in Seattle, as a result of the 2018 SBC’s more stringent energy efficiency requirements once it is adopted. This impact will apply equally to all new design and construction projects, independent of specific composition and location in the city. Projects located outside of the City of Seattle are not directly affected by this change, but may be impacted by the timing of other municipalities’ adoption of the 2018 International Building Code, on which the SBC is based.