Current Code Editions

Current Codes as of July 1, 2007

On July 1, 2007 we began using a new set of codes as required by State Law (RCW 19.27). Your plans and supporting documentation must demonstrate compliance with the new codes.

2006 Edition

Which codes?

International Building Code
International Residential Code
International Fire Code
International Mechanical Code
International Fuel Gas Code (Natural Gas)
National Fuel Gas Code 58 (Propane)
Uniform Plumbing Code
Washington State Energy Code
Washington State Indoor Air Quality Code

Where can you purchase these codes? Using any search engine you can locate a variety of sources on the internet. You can also purchase them through the Washington Association of Building Officials (www.wabo.org, click on “The WABO Book store”). The Washington State Energy Code and Indoor Air Quality Code can be found at WSU Energy Program.

You’ll also need both the State of Washington and City of Kirkland amendments to these codes:

Washington State amendments can be downloaded for free by going to www.sbcc.wa.gov, click on “State Building Codes” and scroll down to select the code and format you’re interested in, or you can purchase them at the WABO Book store.
City of Kirkland amendments are available online by going to:
Kirkland Municipal Code Title 21 The electrical code adopted Nov. 12, 2009 by the City of Kirkland has not been updated on this site yet. Coming soon. See 2009 Washington Cities Electrical Code below in PDF format.
We have formatted the regulations so that they can be inserted into the codes which are amended.

2009 Washington Cities Electrical Code PDF

The Washington Cities Electrical Code is a joint effort between the MyBuildingPermit.com (MBP) EGov Portal and the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO). This Code was created to provide cities with a document that complies with RCW 19.28.010(3), which allows cities to enforce any Ordinance that is equal, higher or better than the State's rules, but offers the following advantages.

This Code omits all administrative and procedural State rules that cities cannot or choose not to adopt.
This Code is written in the same format as the NEC to eliminate any conflict between a State rule and the NEC. This format will also allow the creation of insert pages that can be inserted into the applicable pages of the NEC.
This Code provides enforcement consistency amon those cities that choose to adopt it.
Code Amendments to the National Electrical Code, Construction Administrative Code, Land Surface permit regulations and swimming pool regulations.

Construction Administrative Code Amendments deal only with electrical code changes -This is current being updated. Please call 425-587-3600 for questions.
Land surface permit regulations Amendments now permit structures such as retaining walls and detention vaults to be included with land surface permits.
Swimming Pool regulations Scoping provision added to existing regulations identify that Kirkland Swimming pool regulations only apply to International Residential Code structures. Other swimming pools are regulated by the International Building Code

Is there training available? Yes! The Washington Association of Building Officials is a good source of information. Go to their web site and click on “Education” to see a list of available training. You can also go to www.MyBuildingPermit.com and click on “News and Events”.

In order that this transition be as smooth as possible we need you to be prepared as well. Please avail yourself of training opportunities and buy the code books and amendments that will affect your project(s). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Tom Phillips
Building Services Manager