The 2018 Seattle construction codes went into effect on March 15, 2021. Unless your project is vested to an earlier code, all new permit applications are required to use the 2018 version of the building, residential, existing building, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, elevator, and fire codes and the 2020 versions of the electrical and boiler codes. A summary of key changes can be found on the Project Documents page of SDCI’s 2018 Seattle Code Adoption webpage.
Seattle Code Books Available to Purchase Online
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.
Get Ready for the 2015 Building Codes
The City is updating the codes we use to review and inspect your projects. We plan to use the 2015 Seattle codes to review new building permit applications and plans submitted after January 1, 2017. Seattle’s codes are based on model codes published by the International Code Council, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and the State of Washington’s adoption of codes.
2012 Code Adoption Update
DPD is on schedule for new editions of seven codes to take effect next summer or fall. Public review of the 2012 Seattle building, residential, existing building, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and plumbing codes is almost complete. We expect the ordinances adopting these codes to take effect this summer, followed by a 60-day period during which applicants can use either the 2009 or 2012 codes.
