Washington Administrative Code Title 51 - Enterprise Services, Department of (Building Code Council)
Overview of WAC Title 51
Title 51 of the Washington Administrative Code contains the state building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC).
The SBCC is part of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES). Its job is to review national and international model codes, adopt them for use in Washington, and make state-specific amendments where needed.
Title 51 is essentially the collection of all those adopted building codes organized into separate chapters.
Purpose of Title 51
Safety: Ensure buildings are constructed safely and are resistant to fire, collapse, and other hazards.
Health: Protect public health by regulating plumbing, ventilation, energy efficiency, and sanitation.
Uniformity: Provide consistent standards across all Washington jurisdictions so local governments and builders follow the same codes.
Adaptation: Allow Washington-specific amendments to international model codes (like the International Building Code) to reflect state climate, geology, and local needs.
Structure of Title 51
Title 51 is divided into separate chapters, each based on a specific set of model codes with Washington amendments. Some of the major parts include:
1. Building Code (WAC 51-50)
Based on the International Building Code (IBC).
Covers construction standards for most types of buildings (commercial, institutional, industrial, etc.).
Includes rules for structural safety, accessibility, fire safety, occupancy classifications, and materials.
2. Residential Code (WAC 51-51)
Based on the International Residential Code (IRC).
Applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
Sets requirements for framing, foundations, roofing, energy use, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems in houses.
3. Fire Code (WAC 51-54A)
Based on the International Fire Code (IFC).
Regulates fire prevention, fire protection systems, hazardous materials storage, and emergency planning.
Ensures safe access for firefighters and fire suppression systems in buildings.
4. Existing Building Code (WAC 51-50, Appendix & related sections)
Covers renovation, repair, alteration, and change of occupancy in existing buildings.
Allows flexibility in modifying old structures while maintaining safety.
5. Mechanical Code (WAC 51-52)
Based on the International Mechanical Code (IMC).
Governs heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration systems.
Ensures indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
6. Plumbing Code (WAC 51-56)
Based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Addresses installation of piping systems, potable water, sanitary drainage, and venting.
Ensures clean water supply and proper waste disposal.
7. Energy Code (WAC 51-11C & 51-11R)
Based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Divided into commercial (C) and residential (R) sections.
Sets insulation, lighting efficiency, HVAC performance, and renewable energy requirements.
Aims to reduce energy use and promote sustainability.
8. Fuel Gas Code (WAC 51-52, with IMC references)
Based on the International Fuel Gas Code.
Regulates natural gas and propane piping, storage, and appliances.
Ensures safe delivery and use of fuel gases.
9. Accessibility Code (WAC 51-50, Chapter 11 & ICC A117.1 reference)
Ensures compliance with federal ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and state accessibility requirements.
Covers wheelchair access, ramps, elevators, signage, and restrooms.
How Title 51 Works in Practice
Local governments (cities and counties) must enforce the State Building Code (Title 51). They can make some amendments but cannot weaken the minimum state standards.
Builders, architects, and engineers must design projects according to these codes.
Inspectors and fire marshals use Title 51 as their reference for approving construction and occupancy permits.
The SBCC updates Title 51 regularly (every 3 years) to stay aligned with national model codes.
Summary
WAC Title 51 = Washington’s building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes, as adopted and amended by the State Building Code Council.
It protects safety, health, energy efficiency, and accessibility in all buildings across the state.
It is organized by type of code (building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, energy, etc.), each based on international model codes but adapted for Washington.
RELATED Blog
0 comments