Building Code Library

The Washington State Building Code is comprised of several different codes. Most are national model codes adopted by reference and amended at the state level. Others, such as the Washington State Energy Code, are state-written state-specific codes.  These codes are then adopted and become state law, and are located in RCW 19.27, RCW 70.92, and WAC 51-50.

The Tacoma Building Code is comprised of the Washington State Building Code and local amendments adopted into Tacoma’s Municipal Code, as is allowed in WAC 51-04.

The State Building Code Council adoption includes the following codes, and additional Tacoma adoptions are listed italicized and red:

  • Washington State Building Code
    • 2021 International Building Code
      • Includes adoption of Appendix E and Appendix G
    • ICC/ANSI A117.1-2017
    • Includes the 2021 International Existing Building Code
      • Appendix A
      • Appendix J
  • Residential Code
    • 2021 International Residential Code
      • Includes adoption of Appendices F, Q and U
      • Chapter 11 and Chapters 25 through 43 are not adopted
  • Mechanical Code
    • 2021 International Mechanical Code
      • Includes adoption of 2018 International Fuel Gas Code,
        • 2018 NFPA 58, &
        • 2017 NFPA 54
  • Fire Code
    • 2021 International Fire Code
  • Plumbing Code
    • 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
      • Includes adoption of Appendices A, B and I
  • Energy Code
    • WAC 51-11C (Commercial)
    • WAC 51-11R (Residential)

Additional information about the Washington State Code Building Codes, adoption process, and other related information can be found at https://sbcc.wa.gov/.
Additional information about Tacoma’s Building Codes and other development codes can be found at https://www.tacomapermits.org/pds-resource-library.

2021 Tacoma Building Codes

For permits vested after March 15, 2024

2021 Building Existing Building Residential Mechanical Plumbing Fire Energy
Tacoma TMC 2.02  TMC 2.02  TMC 2.02  TMC 2.02  TMC 2.02  TMC 3.02  TMC 2.02
WA State 2021 WABC 2021 WAEBC 2021 WARC 2021 WAMC
2021 WAFGC		 2021 WAPC
WAC 51-56		 2021 WAFC
WAC 51-54A		 2021 Commercial Provisions
2021 Residential Provisions

2018 Tacoma Building Codes

2018 Building Existing Building Residential Mechanical Plumbing Fire Energy
Tacoma Tacoma Building Code
WA State WS Building Code WS Existing Building Code WS Residential Code WS Mechanical Code WS Plumbing Code WS Fire Code WS Energy Code

2015 Tacoma Building Codes

For permits vested between July 1, 2016 and January 31, 2021

2015 Building Existing Building Residential Mechanical Plumbing Fire Energy
Tacoma Tacoma Existing Building Code Tacoma Residential Code Tacoma Mechanical Code Tacoma Plumbing Code Tacoma Fire Code
WA State WS Building Code See Building Code WS Residential Code WS Mechanical Code WS Plumbing Code WS Fire Code

Energy Code Forms – Commercial

Energy Code Worksheets – Residential

Code Interpretation Links

Commonly Used Design Standards

Worksheets, Tables, & Other Resources

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