SDCI proudly recognizes May as Building Safety Month. Building Safety Month is an international campaign led by the International Code Council to raise awareness about the importance of safe and resilient buildings.
Building safety impacts everyone in Seattle, from the homes we live in to the places where we work, learn, and gather. Modern building codes and standards help protect our community from risks such as earthquakes, fires, and extreme weather, while supporting sustainability, accessibility, and equity.
Building Safety Month is an opportunity to highlight the critical work happening every day at SDCI. I’m continually impressed by the professionalism and care our staff bring to permitting, inspections, and customer service. Together with our partners, we are helping build a safer, more resilient Seattle for today and for future generations. – Sam Steele, SDCI Interim Director
Every year, Building Safety Month focuses on a specific theme. For 2026, the theme is “Built to last.” Each week in May highlights related themes:
- Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10) focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home.
- Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17) spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe.
- Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24) encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property.
- Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31) showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design.
SDCI encourages Seattle residents and our staff and partners to participate in Building Safety Month by:
- learning about permitting requirements
- preparing homes and workplaces for emergencies
- engaging with SDCI resources and events
- taking part in weekly themes at home and extending them into your community
For more information, visit 2026 Building Safety Month or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn for tips throughout May.