Washington Administrative Code

805.4 Voluntary lateral force-resisting system alterations. Structural alterations that are intended exclusively to improve the lateral force resisting system and are not required by other sections of this code shall not be required to meet the requirements of Section 1609 or Sec…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-480807, 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, § 51-50-480807, filed …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-480808, 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, § 51-50-480808, filed …

809.1 Minimumrequirements. Level 2 alterations to existing buildings or structures shall comply with the Washington State Energy Code (chapter 51-11C WAC).[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-480809, filed…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-480810, 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 21-06-035, § 51-50-480810, filed 2/23/21, effective …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 21-06-035, § 51-50-480811, filed 2/23/21, effective 3/26/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-480811, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-480906, filed 12/12/19, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-480906, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16.]

907.1 Minimum requirements. Level 3 alterations to existing buildings or structures shall comply with the Washington State Energy Code (chapter 51-11C WAC).[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 21-06-035, § 51-50-480907, filed 2/23/21, effective 3/26/21; WSR 20-0…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 21-06-035, § 51-50-480908, filed 2/23/21, effective 3/26/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-480908, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-480912, 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, § 51-50-480912, filed …

1002.3 Change of occupancy in health care. Where a change of occupancy occurs to a Group I-2 or I-1 facility, the work area with the change of occupancy shall comply with the International Building Code.The International Building Code shall apply to Group I-1, Condition 2, for li…

1009.1 Increased demand. Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of an existing building is changed such that the new occupancy is subject to increased or different plumbing fixture requirements or to increased water supply requirements in accordance with the Uniform …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-481012, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-481012, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13.]

1101.1 Scope. An addition to a building or structure shall comply with the International Codes and Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted for new construction without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with any requirements of those codes or of these provisions, exc…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-481102, 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, § 51-50-481102, 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, § 51-50-481103, 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, § 51-50-481103, filed …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-067, § 51-50-481104, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-481104, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.07…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-481105, 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, § 51-50-481105, filed …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 10-03-097, § 51-50-481106, 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, § 51-50-481106, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07.]

1201.1 Scope. This chapter is intended to provide means for the preservation of historic buildings. It is the purpose of this chapter to encourage cost-effective preservation of original or restored architectural elements and features and to provide a historic building that will …

1203.9 Stairway railings. Historically significant stairways shall be accepted without complying with the handrail and guard requirements. Existing handrails and guards at all stairs shall be permitted to remain, provided they are not structurally dangerous.[Statutory Authority: …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-21-021, § 51-50-481204, filed 10/9/20, effective 11/9/20; WSR 20-01-090, § 51-50-481204, 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, § 51-50-481204,…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-481205, 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, § 51-50-481205, filed 12/12/19, effective…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-481301, 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, § 51-50-481301, filed 1/19/16, effective …

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-481302, 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, § 51-50-481302, filed …

1401.2 Conformance. Buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code, the International Residential Code (chapter 51-51 WAC), the International Mechanical Code (chapter 51-52 WAC), the International Fire Code (chapter 51-…

This section is not adopted.[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-481402, filed 1/4/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24.]

1501.7 Facilities required. Sanitary facilities shall be provided during construction or demolition activities in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code.[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-481500, file…

Add the reference standards as follows:Standard reference numberTitleReferenced in code section numberACI 562-21Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures405.1.1[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 23-23-102, § 51-50-481600, filed 11/…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and 19.27.540. WSR 23-02-073, 23-12-103, and 23-20-023, § 51-50-490000, 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, § 51-50-490000, filed 1/19/16, effective …

These rules are adopted under the authority of chapter 19.27 RCW.[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 04-01-109, § 51-51-001, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]

The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW, which provides that the state building code council shall maintain the State Building Code in a status which is consistent with the purpose as set forth in RCW 19.27.020. In maintaining the codes the …

The 2021 edition of the International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference with the following additions, deletions, and exceptions: Provided that chapters 11 and 25 through 43 of this code are not adopted. Energy Code is r…

The exceptions and amendments to the International Residential Code contained in the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW shall apply in case of conflict with any of the provisions of these rules.The provisions of this code do not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for …

The International Residential Code adopted by chapter 51-51 WAC shall become effective in all counties and cities of this state on March 15, 2024.[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 23-23-104, § 51-51-008, filed 11/15/23, effective 3/16/24; WSR 23-02-058, 23-12…

R101.2 Scope. The provisions of the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-fa…

R102.5 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance. An appendix adopted by a local jurisdiction shall not be effective unless approved by the state building code council pursuant to RCW 19.27.060 (1)(a).EXCEPTI…

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 23-02-058, 23-12-104, and 23-20-024, § 51-51-0106, filed 1/3/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24; WSR 20-03-023, § 51-51-0106, filed 1/6/20, effective 7/1/20.]

ADULT FAMILY HOME. A dwelling, licensed by the state of Washington department of social and health services, in which a person or persons provide personal care, special care, room and board to more than one but not more than six adults who are not related by blood or marriage to …

R301.2 Climatic and geographic design criteria. Buildings shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this code as limited by the provisions of this section. Additional criteria shall be established by the local jurisdiction and set forth in Table R301.2. The local …

R302.2.2 Common walls. Common walls separating townhouse units shall be assigned a fire resistance rating in accordance with Item 1 or 2 and shall be rated for fire exposure from both sides. Common walls shall extend to and be tight against the exterior sheathing of the exterior …

R303.1 Natural light. All habitable rooms shall have an aggregate glazing area of not less than 8 percent of the floor area of such rooms.EXCEPTION:The glazed areas need not be installed in rooms where artificial light is provided capable of producing an average illumination of 6…

R307.1 Space required. Fixtures shall be spaced in accordance with Figure R307.1, and in accordance with the requirements of the state plumbing code Section 402.5.[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-025, § 51-51-0307, filed 1/11/16, effective 7/1/16.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 20-03-023, § 51-51-0308, filed 1/6/20, effective 7/1/20; WSR 16-03-025, § 51-51-0308, filed 1/11/16, effective 7/1/16.]

R309.6 Electric vehicle charging.R309.6.1 Application. The provisions of this section shall apply to the construction of new dwelling units per Section R101.2 with attached private garages or attached private carports.EXCEPTION:Where there is no public utility or commercial power…

R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue opening required. Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have not less than one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency escape and rescue opening shall be …

R311.4 Vertical egress. Egress from habitable levels including habitable attics and basements not provided with an egress door in accordance with Section R311.2 shall be by a ramp in accordance with Section R311.8 or a stairway in accordance with Section R311.7.EXCEPTION:Stairway…

R312.1.1 Where required.Guards shall be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including floors, mezzanines, lofts in accordance with Section R333, stairs, ramps, and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or …

R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in a townhouse unit.EXCEPTIONS:1. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to an existing townh…

R314.1 General. Smoke alarms, heat detectors, and heat alarms shall comply with NFPA 72 and this section.R314.1.1 Listings. Smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 217. Heat detectors and heat alarms shall be listed for the intended application. Combination smoke and c…