Chapter 51-50 State Building Code adoption and amendment of the 2021 edition of the International Building Code.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-1602, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 70.92, 19.27, and 34.05 RCW. WSR 07-01-091, § 51-50-1602, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1604, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-1604, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-1607, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1607, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16; WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-1607, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.190, 19.27.…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-1609, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-1609, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10.]

1613.4 Amendments to ASCE 7. The provisions of Section 1613.4 shall be permitted as an amendment to the relevant provisions of ASCE 7. The text of ASCE 7 shall be amended as indicated in Sections 1613.4.1 through 1613.4.6.1613.4.1 ASCE 7 Section 12.2.5.4. Amend ASCE 7 Section 12.…

1615.1 General. The design and construction of Risk Category III and IV buildings and structures located in the Tsunami Design Zones shall be in accordance with Chapter 6 of ASCE 7-22, except as modified by this code. Wherever ASCE 7 is referenced herein, it shall refer to ASCE 7…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1702, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1702, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

1705.13.6 Plumbing, mechanical and electrical components. Periodic special inspection of plumbing, mechanical and electrical components shall be required for the following:1. Anchorage of electrical equipment for emergency and standby power systems in structures assigned to Seism…

1709.5 Exterior window and door assemblies. The design pressure rating of exterior windows and doors in buildings shall be determined in accordance with Section 1709.5.1 or 1709.5.2. For exterior windows and doors tested in accordance with Section 1709.5.1 or 1709.5.2, required d…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1710, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1710, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1715, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-1715, filed 2/1/…

1807.2.2 Design lateral soil loads. Retaining walls shall be designed for the lateral soil loads set forth in Section 1610. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, the design of retaining walls supporting more than 6 feet (1829 mm) of backfill height measur…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1901, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1901, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1903, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1903, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1904, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1904, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1905, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1905, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1908, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1908, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-1909, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-1909, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/…

2103.2.4 Mortar for adhered masonry veneer. Mortar for use with adhered masonry veneer shall conform to ASTM C270 for Type N or S, or shall comply with ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 for modified dry-set cement mortar. The cementitious bond coat shall comply with ANSI A118.4 or A118.15.[…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-2104, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-2104, filed 2/1/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-2106, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 70.92, 19.27, and 34.05 RCW. WSR 07-01-091, § 51-50-2106, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-21070, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-21-021, § 51-50-21070, filed 10/9/20, effective 11…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-2108, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-2108, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.020, 1…

2111.8 Fireplaces. Fireplaces shall be provided with each of the following:1. Tightly fitting flue dampers, operated by a readily accessible manual or approved automatic control.EXCEPTION:Fireplaces with gas logs shall be installed in accordance with the International Mechanical …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-21-021, § 51-50-2114, filed 10/9/20, effective 11/9/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-2114, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 a…

2115.1 Emission standards for factory-built fireplaces. No new or used factory-built fireplace shall be installed in Washington state unless it is certified and labeled in accordance with procedures and criteria specified in ASTM E2558 Standard Test Method for determining particu…

2303.1.1.3 Used solid-sawn lumber. Used solid-sawn dimensional lumber in good condition and devoid of areas of decay, not meeting the requirements of Section 2303.1.1, 2303.1.1.1, or 2303.1.1.2, that has a nominal thickness of 2 inches with a nominal width of 6 inches or less, sh…

2304.11.2.1 Exterior walls.Exterior walls shall be permitted to be cross-laminated timber not less than 3.5 inches (88 mm) in actual thickness meeting the requirements of Section 2303.1.4.2304.11.2.2 Interior walls and partitions. Interior walls and partitions shall be of solid w…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-2400, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-2400, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/…

2405.3 Screening. Where used in monolithic glazing systems, annealed, heat strengthened, fully tempered and wired glass shall have broken glass retention screens installed below the glazing material. The screens and their fastenings shall be:1. Capable of supporting twice the wei…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-2407, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-2407, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-2603, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-2603, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16.]

2702.1.5 Load duration. Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall be designed to provide the required power for a minimum duration of 8 hours without being refueled or recharged, unless specified otherwise in this code.EXCEPTION:The minimum duration of all required …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 22-13-094, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-2900, filed 6/14/22, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24; WSR 21-06-035, § 51-50-2900, filed 2/23/21, effective 3/26/21; WSR 20-21-021, § 51-50-2900, filed 10/9/20, effective 11…

2901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter and the state plumbing code shall govern the design, construction, erection, and installation of plumbing components, appliances, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Toilet and bathing rooms sha…

2902.1 Minimum number of fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be provided in the minimum number shown in Table 2902.1. Uses not shown in Table 2902.1 shall be determined individually by the building official based on the occupancy which most nearly resembles the proposed occupancy. …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-3001, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-3001, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 a…

3002.4 Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher.In buildings provided with an elevator, at least one elevator shall provide fire department emergency access to all floors served in:1. Buildings four or more stories above or below grade plane; and2. Any R-1, R-2, or I occup…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 22-13-094, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-3004, filed 6/14/22, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-3004, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapte…

3005.2 Temperature control. Elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces that contain the driving machine, and control rooms or spaces that contain the operation or motion controller for elevator operation shall be provided with an independent dedicated ventilation or air-conditionin…

3006.3 Hoistway opening protection. Where Section 3006.2 requires protection of the elevator hoistway door opening, the protection shall be provided by one of the following:1. An enclosed elevator lobby shall be provided at each floor to separate the elevator hoistway shaft enclo…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-3009, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-3009, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16.]

3101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern special building construction including membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways and tunnels, automatic vehicular gates, awnings and canopies, marquees, signs, towers, antennas, relocatable buildings,…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 22-13-094, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-3102, filed 6/14/22, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24; WSR 19-02-038, § 51-50-3102, filed 12/26/18, effective 7/1/19.]

3103.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to structures erected for a period of less than 180 days. Special event structures, tents, umbrella structures and other membrane structures erected for a period of less than 180 days shall also comply with the Internatio…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-3108, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-3108, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10.]

3109.1 General. The design and construction of swimming pools, spas and other aquatic recreation facilities shall comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, where the facility is one of the following: 1. For the sole use of residents and invited guests at a single-…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 22-13-094, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-3114, filed 6/14/22, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24; WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-3114, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20.]

3116.1 Construction. Construction of fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 130-2020, standard for fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems, as modified in Section 3116.2.3116.2 Modifications to NFPA 130.5.2.2.1 Building constr…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 22-13-094, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-3304, filed 6/14/22, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24; WSR 21-06-035, § 51-50-3304, filed 2/23/21, effective 3/26/21; WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-3304, filed 12/12/19, effective 7…