Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
Nathan Torgelson, Director
Construction Code Interpretations
What Are They?
Our interpretations, policies, or code alternates were written to provide guidance for our review staff and to ensure consistency of our reviews. While they may be used as guidance for your design, they are subject to change without notice and their application to specific projects may vary.
For questions about how these code interpretations may apply to your project:
- Contact the building code plan reviewer assigned to your application. Find your assigned reviewer in the Seattle Services Portal.
- Submit your question to us using the Building and Land Use Q&A tool.
To request an interpretation of the meaning, application, or intent of any development regulation in our Land Use Code or environmentally critical area regulations during a land use project's comment period, see Comment on a Project.
2018 Building Code Interpretations
- 705.2, CA 705.2 Regulation of Covered Balconies
- 705.2, CA 705.2 Aluminum Planks at Private Balconies
- 706.5 Fire Wall Horizontal Continuity
2018 Energy Code Interpretations
- C503.2C Change of Space Conditioning from Fossil Fuel Heating to Heat Pump
- SRC 1411.6, SEC R403.4, and SEC C403.10.4 Refrigerant Line Insulation
2018 Residential Code Interpretations
- 101.2b Common Space for Two-family Dwellings
- 202 Townhouse Unit Definition
- 301.2 Topographic Effects for Wind Design
- 302.2 Townhouse Unit Separation
- 1411.6, SEC R403.4, and SEC C403.10.4 Refrigerant Line Insulation
2015 Seattle Building Code Interpretations
- 104.5 Code Alternate Request for Tyco Model WS Rated Wall System
- 104.5 Easements and Covenants
- 106.5.2 Professional Stamp for less than $75,000
- 106.13.1 Structural Design Load for Temporary Structure
- 202 Residential Occupancies: Dwelling Unit vs. Boarding House
- 508.3.1 Non-Separated Occupancies
- 704.2 Column Protection
- 704.3 Protection of Primary Structural Frame Other Than Columns
- 714.4 Membrane Penetrations of Horizontal Assemblies
- 1208.1 and 1208.3 Habitable Room Size
- 1604.5 Risk Category Occupant Load Calculations
- 1604.5.1 Risk Category for Multiple Buildings on a Single Podium
- 1607.2 Clustered Conference Rooms-Live Load and Occupancy
- Director's Rule 9-2017 Small Efficiency Dwelling Units, SEDU Story Count for Natural Light
- Director's Rule 9-2017 Small Efficiency Dwelling Units, SEDU Closets and Storage
- Director's Rule 9-2017 Small Efficiency Dwelling Units, SEDU Minimum Yard and Court Dimensions for Natural Light
2015 Seattle Existing Building Code Interpretations
- 101.4, SBC 302.1, Historical Occupancy Classification
- 304.1, SBC 706, Fire Walls in Lieu of Substantial Alterations
2015 Seattle Residential Code Interpretations
- 104.5 Product Approvals
- 106.5.2 SE vs CE for Shoring
- 1014.3 Application of Common Path of Egress Travel to Existing Buildings
- 1015.2.1 Exit Separation at Exterior Exit Balconies
- 1021 Exit Discharge on Elevated Plazas
- 1027.1 Readily Visible Exterior Exit Door
- 1104 Accessible Route Within Type A Unit
- 1106 Accessible Parking in Mixed Use Buildings
- 1107.6.2.1 Alterations to Type A Units in Condominiums
- 1203.3 Vapor Barrier for Crawl Spaces
- 1203.3 Unvented Rafter Space
- ASCE 7-10 Structural Height
- 104.5 Product Approvals
- 106.5.2.2 SE vs CE for Post-Tensioned Concrete Drawings
- 106.5.2.2 SE vs CE for Shoring
- 1009.13 Stair Access to Roof Surface
- 1014.3 Common Path of Egress Travel in Existing Buildings
- 1015.2.1 Separation of Exit or Exit Access Doors
- 1021.1 Exit Discharge on Elevated Plazas
- 1027.1 Readily Visible Exterior Exit Door
- 1104 Accessible Route within Type A Unit
- 1106 Accessible Parking in Mixed Use Buildings
- 1107.6.2.1 Alterations to Type A Units in Condominiums
- 1203.2 Unvented Rafter Spaces
- 3404.1 Replacement of Bedroom Window
- 3411.5 Accessible Parking and Additions
- 3411.7 Accessibility Improvements for Seismic Upgrades
- 104.10 Product Approvals
- 106.5.2.2 Structural Versus Civil Engineer for Post-Tensioned Concrete Shop Drawings
- 106.5.2.2 Structural or Civil License for Shoring
- 107.1 Fee Ordinance - Standard Plans
- 508.3.2 Occupant Load Determination Within a Nonseparated Occupancy
- 1014.3 Application of Common Path to Egress Travel to Existing Buildings
- 1020.1.2 Penetrations Through Vertical Exit Enclosures & Exit Passageways
- 1106 Accessible Parking in Mixed Use Buildings
- 1107.6.2.1 Alterations to Type A Units in Condominiums
- 1203.2 Structural Insulated Panel Systems
- 1912.1 Holddown Anchor Bolt Design
- 3016.12 Elevator Cars & Ambulance Stretchers
- 3407.6 Path of Travel Improvements in Alterations to Existing Buildings
- 3407.7 Path of Travel Improvements in Seismic Upgrades to Existing Buildings
- R101.2 Dwelling Units Located Above Parking
- R104.9 Product Approvals
- R104.9 SIPs as Shear Walls
- R105.5.2.2 Concrete Floats for Floating Homes
- R105.5.2.2 PE Stamp for Townhouses
- R106 Fee Ordinance - Standard Plans
- R107.1 Certificate of Occupancy Not Required for SRC
- R202 Stair Penthouse Within a Dwelling Unit
- R317.2.2 Openings in Roof Sheathing Within 4 Feet of Townhouse Separation
- R404.1.4 Number of Horizontal Rebars
- R806 Structural Insulated Panel Systems in Roof Assemblies