Washington State has amended the 2012 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code). With each new edition of the energy code, Seattle enacts additional rules to reduce the amount of energy consumed by non-residential buildings. A limited set of new Seattle amendments will be proposed for the 2012 Seattle code, based on the 2012 IECC.

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Time is running short for landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in all residential dwelling units. This applies even for dwellings that don’t have fireplaces or gas-fired appliances, because these are not the cause of the most severe incidents. Following our 2006 windstorm, 250 people were treated for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the Puget Sound area and eight died, all from either burning charcoal briquettes inside their homes or from improper use of gasoline-powered generators. In response to these tragedies, new state-wide law and building codes will require CO alarms in most residential buildings, including single-family homes.

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The Washington State Department of Commerce has begun enforcing new rules aimed at protecting children from poisoning by lead-based paint. The State is focused on training and education for contractors so they may apply the new nationwide rules for lead-safe work practices.

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