The public is invited to review and comment on Seattle's draft amendments to the 2003 International Building, Residential, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes (I-Codes), which will replace the Uniform Codes this summer.*

DPD is trying to stay with the State's effective date of July 1, 2004, but adoption of the codes in Seattle may take a bit longer. Meanwhile, applicants may use the I-Codes before Seattle formally adopts them, but should call (206) 684-8850 for a presumittal conference before proceeding with design. During the 60-day period after the effective date, applicants can choose whether to use the I-Codes or the Uniform Codes. Details on the new I-Codes have been explored in our monthly newsletter, dpdINFO, over the past year.

An overview of the amendments and links to the draft amendments are available on DPD's Technical Codes website. Please keep in mind that these are proposed amendments. Any provision in these drafts and other provisions of the codes could be changed before they take effect in Seattle.

Purchasing Codes
Copies of the new I-Codes can be purchased from:

• Washington Association of Building Officials, (360) 586-6725, www.wabo.org
• International Code Council, (800) 284-4406, www.iccsafe.org

*The Uniform Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, and Washington State Energy Code with Seattle Amendments will continue to be enforced in Seattle and Washington.