Building Code

See also: Code Interpretations, Electrical Code, Existing Building Code, Elevator Code, Energy Code, Fire Code, Mechanical Code, Residential Code

The effective date for the 2021 Seattle codes is November 15, 2024. Until then, applicants may use either the 2018 or draft 2021 Seattle codes. Please visit the 2021 Seattle Code Adoption webpage for updates.

What Is It?

The Seattle Building Code (SBC) provides minimum requirements for design and construction of new buildings. Seattle has adopted the 2018 International Building Code, with amendments specific to our city.

What It Isn't

This code does not cover regulations for single-family houses, duplexes, and townhouses with up to three stories and separate entrances. Those regulations are found in the Seattle Residential Code.

Read The Code

This is a read-only version of the 2021 Seattle Building Code with errata. You can buy a full pdf version from iccsafe.org. Print copies are available for sale through the Seattle Services Portal. See our pricelist and our ordering instructions.

The 2021 Seattle Building Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2021 International Building Code which is proprietary to and copyrighted by International Code Council, Inc. The licensed material is copyrighted by the International Code Council, Inc., has been obtained and reproduced with permission. The acronym "ICC" and the ICC logo are trademarks and service marks of ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

This is a read-only version of the 2018 Seattle Building Code with errata. You can buy a full pdf version from iccsafe.org. Print copies are available for sale through the Seattle Services Portal. See our pricelist and our ordering instructions.

The 2018 Seattle Building Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2018 International Building Code which is proprietary to and copyrighted by International Code Council, Inc. The licensed material is copyrighted by the International Code Council, Inc., has been obtained and reproduced with permission. The acronym "ICC" and the ICC logo are trademarks and service marks of ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

This is a read-only version of the 2015 Seattle Building Code. You can buy a full version from iccsafe.org. 

The 2015 Seattle Building Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2015 International Building Code which is proprietary to and copyrighted by International Code Council, Inc. The licensed material is copyrighted by the International Code Council, Inc., has been obtained and reproduced with permission. The acronym "ICC" and the ICC logo are trademarks and service marks of ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

2012 Seattle Building Code

This is a read-only version of the 2012 Seattle Building Code. You can buy a full version from iccsafe.org.

Proposed Changes

We are updating the Seattle construction codes to the 2021 editions. See the 2021 Seattle Code Adoption page for more information.

Construction and Inspections

Nathan Torgelson, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.