2021 Seattle Code Adoption - What & Why

The target 2021 Seattle Code implementation date of July 1, 2023, is delayed to no sooner than early 2024 as SDCI continues through the City’s ordinance process for adopting updates to our Codes. SDCI started accepting applications using the 2021 Washington Codes on July 1, if they are accompanied by a code modification request.

What’s Happening Now?

The Seattle construction codes are being updated to the 2021 code editions and include the building, residential, existing building, energy, mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, wildland urban interface, and fire codes. The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is also being updated to the 2023 edition. The target effective date for these new codes is no sooner than early 2024. There is no planned grace period beyond the adoption date.

As part of this process, SDCI is preparing the 2021 Seattle Construction Codes for adoption by the Seattle City Council. SDCI is incorporating changes made by the State of Washington in its adoption of the 2021 national model codes (I-codes) and changes in the 2021 editions of the I-codes made by the International Code Council as recommended by the Seattle Construction Codes Advisory Board. 

The State of Washington Building Code Council has posted the changes for the 2021 codes at the following links:

• Washington State Building and Existing Building Codes, Chapter 51-50 WAC
• Washington State Residential Code, Chapter 51-51 WAC
• Washington State Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes, Chapter 51-52 WAC
• Washington State Fire Code, Chapter 51-54A WAC
• Washington State Energy Code, Energy Code SBCC
• Washington State Wildland Urban Interface Code, Chapter 51-55 WAC
• Washington State Plumbing Code, Chapter 51-56 WAC 

The City of Seattle adopts most of these changes. SDCI will post the proposed 2021 Seattle code changes once they are available.

Current Seattle Codes Are Available

The 2018 Seattle construction codes are available for purchase through the International Code Council as a bookmarked pdf copy that you can download. 

You can order printed copies of the Seattle construction codes and errata through SDCI. View our publication list for prices. To order, please submit a request through the Seattle Services Portal using the Permits - Trade, Construction and Land Use option. See How to Purchase Seattle Code Books From SDCI for instructions on how to submit your request.

Read only versions of the Seattle construction codes and errata are available on the code webpages.

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

SDCI is preparing for the adoption of the 2021 editions of the national model codes published with State of Washington and local Seattle amendments.