Implementation of 2018 Building Codes Delayed Again

In a win for the homebuilding industry, the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) voted on June 26 to delay the implementation of the 2018 building codes once again. The new date of implementation is February 1, 2021 — including the revised energy code.

During the SBCC meeting on June 12, the Council voted to delay the implementation of the 2018 buildings codes. The vote was defeated but BIAW challenged the vote, citing an error in vote totals. Due to this error, a special meeting of the SBCC met on June 26. This time, the vote was in the affirmative, 8-3, to delay the implementation of the 2018 building codes from November 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021. BIAW would like to thank Diane Glenn, the SBCC Chair, for her work throughout the building code cycle, as well members who called into the meeting to provide testimony in support of the delay.

We will host a Significant Changes to the 2018 Building Codes class once in the fall. If you’d like to be notified when that class accepts registrations, please email Andrea Smith, BIA’s Communications & Education Program Manager by email.

For questions about the SBCC, please contact Ryan Makinster, BIA Government Affairs Director by email.