The effective date for the 2018 Seattle construction codes is March 15, 2021. This effective date applies to the 2018 Seattle editions of the building, residential, existing building, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, electrical, boiler, elevator, and fire codes.  Applicants can submit complete permit applications using either the 2015 or the 2018 versions of the Seattle construction codes between the state’s implementation date of February 1, 2021 and Seattle’s implementation date of March 15, 2021. As of March 15, 2021, SDCI will only accept permit applications that use the 2018 codes.

The Seattle City Council recently adopted the 2021 budget, including legislation that implements SDCI fee changes in 2021. This year, SDCI did not implement an across-the-board increase in fees but instead was able to make adjustments decreasing several fees. On January 1, 2021, changes to electrical, refrigeration, and furnace fees will go into effect.

The City of Seattle proposes to extend the interim Floodplain Development Regulations that took effect in August 2020 extended by Ordinance 126113. If the City Council does not adopt this legislation the interim regulations would expire on February 24, 2021. This legislation will extend the original interim regulations for 12 months so that the City’s floodplain mapping and development regulations will continue to be consistent with federal law. The City needs this additional time to prepare a proposal for permanent regulations that includes conducting necessary studies, consulting with federal and state agencies, and public outreach.