Construction Codes

During the plan review portion of obtaining a permit, Building Services will check construction plans and other submittal documents for compliance with a variety of codes as adopted with amendments.

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Current Codes

Kirkland's Building Services team began using the following set of codes, as required by State Law (RCW 19.27).

As of March 15, 2024: 

Washington Building Codes

  • 2021 Washington State Building Code (IBC)
  • 2021 Washington State Existing Building Code (IEBC)
  • 2021 Washington State Residential Code (IRC)
  • 2021 Washington State Mechanical Code (INC)
  • 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (Natural Gas) (IFGC)
  • 2021 National Fuel Gas Code 58 (Propane) (NFPA 54)
  • 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
  • 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
  • 2021 Washington State Energy Code - Commercial Provisions (WSEC - Commercial)
  • 2021 Washington State Energy Code - Residential Provisions (WSEC - Residential)
  • 2021 Washington State Fire Code (IFC)
  • 2017 Washington Cities Electrical Code (2017 WCEC with 2020 NEC updates)

 

Note: Those codes above that contain "Washington State" in the title have been published with the State Amendments. Other than that, don't forget to check both the State of Washington Amendments and the City of Kirkland Amendments to the codes we enforce.

 

The WABO book store and ICC both have several codes available to purchase.

Check out some other code resources offered by MyBuildingPermit.com.

 

Energy Code Resources

If you find yourself needing guidance or support in applying energy code requirements to your project, there are some organizations dedicated to providing training, documentation, tools and forms, and technical assistance.

2021 Washington State Energy Code - Commercial Provisions*: 

Evergreen Technology Consulting provides support to those who use the commercial sections of the WSEC. You may access their support in the following ways:

2021 Washington State Energy Code - Residential Provisions*: 

The Washington State University Energy Program provides support to those who use the residential sections of the WSEC. You may access their support in the following ways:

 

*Residential buildings include detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), as well as Group R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings three stories or less above grade. These buildings are governed by the residential energy code provisions.

Residential occupancy buildings that do not fall within the definition above are governed by the commercial energy code provisions. This includes Group R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings greater than three stories, and all Group R-1 (hotel/motel).