Washington Code Update Delayed Until 2027 Due to Missed Deadlines
The Washington State Code Council has announced a delay in the implementation of the next round of state building code updates, pushing the effective date from October 2025 to late 2026 at the earliest. This change stems from an inability to complete the required cost-benefit analysis within the statutory deadline.
Under Washington law, changes adopted in a cycle cannot take effect before the end of the legislative session in the next year, creating a “resting period” before becoming effective. Because the economic impact study will not be completed in time for this legislative session, the process timeline will shift forward.
As a result, the analysis is now anticipated to proceed through the 2025 calendar year, with the required resting period falling during the 2026-2027 legislative session. If all remaining steps proceed as expected, the new code provisions will not likely take effect until late 2026 at the earliest, instead of the originally scheduled October 2025.
Our understanding is that the delay originated in part from slower-than-usual delivery of the model code from the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). According to stakeholders, the IECC was several months behind schedule, which subsequently delayed the state’s ability to review and analyze the proposed updates. Industry observers have also noted that fossil fuel interests have played a more active role in recent model code development processes, which may have added to the complexity and pace of progress.
In response to some of the proposed changes, the Washington State Energy Independence Association (WASEIA) submitted data to the Council detailing the potential economic harm to its industry members. This data will be incorporated into the state’s economic impact study, with the goal of persuading the Council to revise or remove specific code language deemed harmful to the renewable energy sector.
The delay offers additional time for stakeholders to further analyze and respond to the proposed changes. However, it also prolongs uncertainty for builders, developers, and clean energy advocates awaiting the final version of the code update.
