Effective March 15, 2024, the adopted Building Codes for the State of the Washington will change. The 2021 edition of the Codes will replace the 2018 edition. In Port Angeles, all building permit application plans and supporting documentation must comply with the adopted 2021 Washington State Building Code.
State law requires cities and counties throughout Washington to adopt and enforce the Washington State Building Codes and the State’s version of the current International Building Codes. Codes affected on March 15th include:
- Port Angeles Municipal Code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), including the 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), including the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2017 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58), and 2021 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) as it applies to LP Gas installations.
- 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
- 2021 Washington State Energy Code – Commercial (WSEC-Commercial)
- 2021 Washington State Energy Code – Residential (WSEC-Residential)
- 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- National Electrical Code (NEC) (NFPA 70)
- 2017 American National Standards Institute (ANSI-117)
- 1997 Uniform Sign Code (USC)
The Washington State Building Code Council voted on September 15, 2023, to delay the effective date of the 2021 Washington State codes to March 15th. The previous effective date was October 29, 2023. Any future delays will be determined by the State Building Code Council. At this time, no additional delays have been announced.
What This Means for Our Customers
All building permit applications and supporting documentation submitted on or after March 15, 2024, must comply with the 2021 codes. Completed submittals received prior to March 15th will be vested in the 2018 version of the codes. If any further delays are announced by the State Building Code Council, the Department of Community & Economic Development will provide updated information.
The Department of Community & Economic Development is well prepared to support developers, future homeowners, and other interested stakeholders through this code transition. If you have any questions about the 2021 Building Code Updates, please contact us at (360) 417-4817 or ced@cityofpa.us. Our team is available to provide guidance, offer insights, and assist with compliance efforts.
To learn more and view the updated codes, please visit the Washington State Building Code Council website: https://www.sbcc.wa.gov/2021-code-adoption-cycle.
Thank you for your cooperation.