Construction Codes

Every three years the State Building Code Council releases new editions of building and fire codes. In Bellingham, the latest updates (2021 Codes) will become effective on March 15, 2024.

Current Codes

​​​Codes as of March 15, 2024

The latest updates (2021 Codes) can be found in the Draft Ordinance – 2021 Buidling Code pdf.

Codes before March 15, 2024

The Bellingham City Council previously adopted the building and construction codes listed below. Adoption and amendments to the codes are located in the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 17. The Construction Administrative Code set forth in BMC 17.10.020 replaces the administrative chapters of the adopted codes. 

The currently effective 2018 editions of the International Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code and Washington State Energy Codes were adopted statewide as of February 1, 2021.

The currently effective 2020 editions of the National Electric Code and WAC 296-46B were adopted statewide as of October 29, 2020.

• View a printable list of current codes.

How to Access the Codes

Many of the adopted codes are available to view online. Please use the links below.

All WA State amendments to the codes are also available from the State Building Code Council in pdf version to print and insert into your own printed code books. Click here to access the code ​book page inserts.

BUILDING

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with WA State amendments
  Note: BMC 17.10.020 Section 117 includes City of Bellingham amendments to IBC
• Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (ICC A117.1-2009)
• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with WA State amendments
  Note: BMC 17.10.020 Section 118 includes City of Bellingham amendments to IRC

EXISTING BUILDINGS

• 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with WA State amendments
  Note: IEBC – Understanding the Compliance Methods (PDF)
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
  Note: BMC 17.10.020 Section 120 includes City of Bellingham amendments to IPMC

ENERGY CODE

The City Council has determined that the adoption of building electrification, energy efficiency and solar readiness regulations will implement various goals and policies of the Climate Protection Action Plan and the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan.

• Commercial – 2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC)
  Note: Use the “commercial” provisions for non-residential buildings and 4-story and higher multifamily buildings.
  • Commercial – City of Bellingham Commercial Energy Code provisions (Beginning August 8, 2022)
  • 2018 Commercial Energy Code Compliance Form Envelope
  • 2018 Commercial Energy Code Compliance Form Lighting

• Residential – 2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC)
  Note: Use the “residential” provisions for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses and for 1-, 2-, and 3-story multifamily buildings.
  • Appendix T – Solar Ready provisions-detached one- and two family dwellings, multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses). (Beginning August 8, 2022)

PLUMBING & MECHANICAL

• 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with WA State amendments
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with WA State amendments
• 2018 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54)
• 2017 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58)
• 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and WA State amendments to the UPC
  Note: BMC 17.10.020 Section 119 includes City of Bellingham amendments to UPC

ELECTRICAL

• 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) (technical provisions) and
• Washington State WAC 296-46B (administrative provisions)
• For additional Electrical Laws & Rules information, visit WA Labor & Industries website.

FIRE

• 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with WA State amendments
• The IFC is adopted and amended by the City per regulations set forth in BMC 17.20

Recent Bellingham Municipal Code Changes – Construction and Development

• Ordinance 2022-02-004 introduces new energy code provisions regarding building electrification, energy efficiency, and solar readiness regulations.
• Ordinance 2011-08-048 clarifies the comprehensive plan amendment procedures, adds new docketing criteria a revises the decision criteria.
• Ordinance 2011-08-044 identifies the changes to the setback requirements for buildings, parking / loading areas; as well as the amended landscaping / screening requirements within a Residential, Planned and Industrial, Planned zones.
• Ordinance 2011-07-036 discusses which structures and architectural elements are allowed to encroach into a required yard setback, how the averaged building setback has been modified and reformats setback standards into a table format.
• Ordinance 2011-07-035 clarifies the definition of Floor Area or Space and Floor Area Ratio
• Chapter 20.25 Design Review
  New Design Standards and Review Process effective November 24, 2006.
• Title 16 Environment BMC Chapter 16.50 Wetlands and Streams has been repealed and replaced by Chapter 16.55 Critical Areas effective December 6, 2005. Ordinance 2005-11-092.
• Chapter 17.90 Historic Preservation​ BMC 17.80 Landmark Preservation has been repealed and replaced by Chapter 17.90 Historic Preservation effective December 20, 2005. Ordinance 2005-12-094.

Resources

• Bellingham Municipal Code
• Development and Design Standards
• Neighborhood Profiles
• Northwest Energy Efficiency Council
• Whatcom County Land Use Division

Contacts

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