Construction Codes Advisory Board

What Is It?

We depend on the advice of professionals and citizens when we develop the technical construction codes used by people building in Seattle. The volunteer Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) gives us input about these codes. The CCAB reviews and recommends approval of:  

• Updates to construction design, material, and technology requirements in the construction codes
• New construction codes and new code editions
• Minimum code requirements needed for a safe, sustainable, and accessible built environment
• Energy efficient development proposals that are not covered by the technical construction codes (through a CCAB subcommittee, the Innovation Advisory Committee)

The CCAB can also provide another opinion to the building official when permit applicants are unsatisfied with a decision about a technical code requirement. For more information, read Tip 332, Review of SDCI Decisions by the Construction Codes Advisory Board, 

The CCAB's 13 members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Its authority comes from Seattle Building Code Section 105. 

Each board member serves a three-year term. Members serve until they are reappointed or someone is appointed to replace them. If you think you might be interested in serving on CCAB, watch the City's Boards and Commissions page for information about openings.

Meetings are scheduled for the first and third Thursday of every month, as needed.

For more information,  read these code sections: Section 103.11 of the Seattle Building Code, Section 110.13 of the Seattle Mechanical Code, Section 110.13 of the Seattle Plumbing Code, Sections C109.2 and R109.2 of the Seattle Energy Code, Section 1.6.14 of the Seattle Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, and Section 80.17 of the Seattle Electrical Code.

Who Are the Members?

Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) Members

From left to right starting with the back row: Len Whalen, Ron Lane, Eric Vander Mey, front row: Greg Gilda, Lachlan Foss, Charlie Beck, Judy Tucker. Not pictured: Jim Safranek, Lily Iftner, Joel Crabtree, Joseph Malaspino, and Alan Wakeling
 

Each board member represents a profession or the general public. CCAB has the following positions:

  • 1 architect
  • 1 structural engineer
  • 1 electrical engineer
  • 1 general contractor
  • 1 electrical contractor
  • 1 organized labor
  • 3 general public
  • 1 heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning engineer
  • 1 commercial building owner or operator
  • 1 apartment building owner or operator
  • 1 developer or contractor of residential projects

In addition to these positions, the Seattle Fire Department, Seattle City Light, and Public Health - Seattle & King County are represented by non-voting members.

Updated versions of the Seattle Codes will be effective July 1, 2020.