2021 Seattle Code Adoption - Project Documents

SDCI Proposed Code Changes

The effective date for the 2021 Seattle codes is no sooner than September 30, 2024. Until then, applicants may use either the 2018 or draft 2021 Seattle codes. The Mayor’s office is evaluating further code amendments at this time. Once the Construction Codes Advisory Board approves the full suite of 2021 codes, the ordinance will still need to go through the standard ordinance review and approval process for adoption. We do not have a timeline yet for final CCAB approval. Please visit the 2021 Seattle Code Adoption webpage for updates.

Project Documents

Below are the proposed changes to the 2021 Seattle Construction Codes. These documents only include code sections that are currently amended or proposed to be amended by the City of Seattle or the state of Washington. To view the unamended portions of a particular code, please visit the International Code Council's website for the free online versions of the codes.  

To view the 2021 Energy Code sections not shown in the 2021 Energy Code document below, please see the 2021 Washington State Energy Code.

Understanding markings within the proposed code change documents:

A new change has underlined text or struck out text accompanied by a vertical change bar to the left or right of the text. 

Example:

[S] 703.2.3 Approved alternate method. The fire resistance of building elements, components or assemblies not complying with Section 703.2.1 or 703.2.2 shall be permitted to be established by an alternative protection method in accordance with Section ((104.11)) 104.5.

  • A bracketed [S] at the beginning of a section means the change comes from SDCI.
  • A bracketed [W] indicates a change adopted by the State of Washington.
  • Underlined or struck out text not accompanied by a vertical change bar is not new and was a change adopted in a previous code cycle.   
  • Text accompanied by a vertical change bar but no [S] or [W] at the beginning of the section and no underlined or struck out text indicates that new changes were made in the base code text by the International Code Council.

Construction and Inspections

Nathan Torgelson, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.