The Washington building code is a fundamental safety and construction code that guides homes and buildings in the state. It guarantees safe energy use and environmental care for projects. Contractors cannot commence construction or renovation work before they’ve gotten the appropriate licenses and permits.
Washington Building Code, Permit and Licensing Information
Updated: Jan. 27, 2023
We need a permit before we put up a new building, or make any major improvements, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC installations. It is always a good idea to check with the local building department to be sure you are following all local extra rules. These steps will help make the structures pro, strong as well as approved.
Washington Construction Code Agency:
Washington Building Code Council
1500 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 360-407-9277
https://www.sbcc.wa.gov/about-sbcc/contact-us
Notes: The Department of Labor and Industries is in the process of updating the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-46B, Electrical Safety Standards, Administration, and Installation rules to the NEC-2020, to be effective November 1, 2020.
Washington Construction Codes and Edition Adopted:
- 2018 Washington State Residential Code
- 2018 Washington State Fire Code
- 2018 Washington State Energy Code – Commercial Provisions
- 2018 Washington State Energy Code – Residential Provisions
- 2018 Washington State Mechanical Code
- 2018 Washington State Existing Building Code
- 2018 Washington State Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- 2015 Washington Building Code
- 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- 2015 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC)
- 2015 International Green Construction Code (IGCC)
- 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
- 2015 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2015 International Fire Code (IFC)
- 2015 International Mechanical Code
- 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) – 2020 NEC was adopted with minimal amendments, effective 10/29/20.
- State Energy Code – 2018 Washington State Energy Code
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2015
Applicability (statewide, local, limited): STATEWIDE
Washington by statute will adopt Washington building codes. The Washington State Building Code Council has the authority to adopt amendments to these codes for statewide application.
See a Statewide List of Building Codes here.
| State Website | https://wa.gov/ |
| State Licensing | Contractor licensing is required by the State of Washington. A license is required for plumbing and electrical trades. Businesses must register with the Secretary of State. |
| State Licensing Division | https://www.dol.wa.gov/ |
| State Fire Marshall | https://www.wsp.wa.gov/state-fire-marshals-office/ |
| State Environmental Permit | https://ecology.wa.gov/ |
Additional Building Codes by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming