SDCI is now offering the 2018 Seattle code books available for purchase through the Seattle Services Portal. You can submit your request for a hardcopy of the current version of the Seattle code books and we will mail them to you.
SDCI published a new Code Interpretation R302.2 Townhouse Unit Separation on March 15, 2021. The purpose of the Code Interpretation is to clarify methods to provide separation between townhouse units designed to the 2018 Seattle Residential Code. Typically, the code requires a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly to provide continuous separation between units from foundation to roof. There are several conditions where separation is required to extend beyond this enclosed floor area.
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.
Our proposed 2021 Stormwater Code and Manual update is scheduled to be effective in July 2021. Our new rules will replace the current Stormwater code and Directors’ Rules, which are administered jointly by SDCI and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). For more information, visit our Updating Stormwater Regulations Background webpage.
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.
SDCI is in the process of updating Seattle’s construction codes to the 2018 versions of the building, residential, existing buildings, fire, electrical, mechanical, energy, fuel gas, elevator, boiler, and plumbing codes. SDCI was planning to adopt the 2018 edition of the codes effective July 1, 2020. Due to several factors, including the impacts of Covid-19 and the Governor’s executive order, the effective date was delayed to Feb 1, 2021. Adoption of Seattle’s 2018 suite of construction codes has been further delayed. The revised effective date is March 15, 2021.
Projects can only use easements in lieu of extensions of public sewer drains IF they have SPU approval. As of this notice, projects submitting for new preliminary applications will not be allowed to use an easement in lieu of an extension of the public sewer system unless an adjustment or exception is made by the General Manager of SPU. SPU protects existing and future assets and ratepayer resources by providing an orderly and predictable public system. Minimizing the length of privately-owned side sewers will better serve future residents of the property, as well as reduce the total life cycle costs of owning and maintaining them. It will also help protect ratepayers by reducing claims filed by residents due to issues with easements and long, privately-owned utility services.
We updated a Tip about concrete encased grounding electrode and published two final Director’s Rules about bicycle parking and landscaping standards.
We are seeing drastic signs of climate change in Seattle and throughout Washington State. Smokey summers and droughts are becoming more common and snowpack and stream flows have been altered and are decreasing our future water supply and hydropower production. At the same time, energy and water demands are increasing with population growth. We must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change and to achieve the City’s transition to a clean energy future. Our buildings make up about one-third of Seattle’s emissions. SDCI offers three incentives to help solve this crisis.
