Since Seattle adopted the International Building and Residential codes for the first time in 2004, we’ve found that a few adjustments were needed. To that end, the City has adopted Building and Residential code amendments that will take effect on May 5.

While most of the amendments are minor in scope, some of them have significant effects on some projects. The most significant changes include:

• Adding a section on alterations and additions to the Seattle Residential Code (SRC). Buildings constructed according to the SRC will no longer be required to comply with Chapter 34 of the Seattle Building Code.
• Adoption of the 2003 accessibility standard, ANSI A117.1-2003–Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
• Accepting Structural Engineers Association of Washington Rapid Solution Methodology for designing wind loads
• Accepting USGS maps as a means of determining earthquake loads
• Eliminating special inspection requirements for smaller residential buildings constructed of wood
• Repealing Building and Residential Code amendments affecting small residential buildings—these amendments were disapproved by the State Building Code Council in October 2005 and have not been enforced in Seattle since then. The repeal includes requirement for natural light in dwelling units, minimum room sizes, and changes to balcony and deck loads.
• Clarifying the conditions under which fire alarms are required in townhouses, and specifying that standpipes are not required in townhouses
• Adopting provisions of the Washington State Fire and Building codes requiring sprinklers in all nightclubs by Dec. 1, 2007, as mandated by the Washington State Legislature during the 2005 session