2018 Seattle Code Adoption - What & Why

We update construction codes to ensure that people in Seattle get to live, work and play in buildings that are safe, sustainable, and accessible.
  • What & Why
    Proposing potential changes for Seattle’s 2018 construction codes.
  • Get Involved
    Proposing potential changes for Seattle’s 2018 construction codes.
  • Project Documents
    Proposing potential changes for Seattle’s 2018 construction codes.
  • Timeline
    Proposing potential changes for Seattle’s 2018 construction codes.

What’s Happening Now?

2018 Seattle Construction Code Adoption Delayed
SDCI has been planning to adopt the 2018 edition of the codes to be effective July 1, 2020.  However, due to several factors, including the impacts of COVID-19, we have delayed the planned adoption until November 1, 2020, or the effective date of the 2018 Washington State codes, whichever is later.

We update Seattle's construction codes every three years to address new technologies and to incorporate lessons learned from real-life performance of buildings and structures. We are in the process of reviewing proposals for the 2018 editions of the following construction codes:

  • 2018 Seattle Building Code
  • 2018 Seattle Residential Code
  • 2018 Seattle Mechanical Code
  • 2018 Seattle Fuel Gas Code
  • 2018 Seattle Existing Building Code
  • 2018 Seattle Energy Code
  • 2018 Seattle Plumbing Code
  • 2020 Seattle Electrical Code (2020 National Electrical Code with Seattle amendments) 

Code changes can come from various sources including the International Code Council, State of Washington, members of the public, and City staff. Proposed code changes are currently being reviewed by SDCI staff and the Seattle Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB). The Board will complete its review of the codes and make a recommendation to the Seattle City Council in Spring 2020. 

Project Benefits

Regular updates to Seattle's construction codes make it easier to:

  • Incorporate emerging technology and materials into construction to increase a building's safety, usability, and lifespan
  • Keep Seattle competitive and innovative with early adoption of national code changes
  • Adopt requirements that ensure Seattle's leading-edge energy and carbon reduction goals are met
  • Decrease differences in construction code adoption and enforcement with neighboring communities    

The End Result

Seattle plans to adopt the 2018 editions of the national model codes published by the International Code Council along with State of Washington and local amendments in 2020. November 1, 2020 is the target date for implementation of these codes.