Washington · Fire code

The fire code in force in Washington now.

2021 International Fire Code with Washington amendments (ch. 51-54A WAC), part of the State Building Code; effective Mar 15, 2024. Enforced by Cities and counties enforce through local fire code officials (RCW 19.27.050); State Fire Marshal's Office (WSP) inspects state-licensed health, residential-care and child-care facilities and does plan review/inspection only where locals cannot; State Building Code Council adopts. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Fire code in Washington

Verified on the source
In force

2021 International Fire Code with Washington amendments (ch. 51-54A WAC), part of the State Building Code; effective Mar 15, 2024

Applies statewide to new and existing buildings under RCW 19.27, including WA-amended Chapter 11 existing-building rules. Took effect with the 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC and UPC; last amended by WSR 23-20-027.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Cities and counties enforce through local fire code officials (RCW 19.27.050); State Fire Marshal's Office (WSP) inspects state-licensed health, residential-care and child-care facilities and does plan review/inspection only where locals cannot; State Building Code Council adopts

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

New edition May 3, 2027

2024 IFC with WA amendments: SBCC final adoption vote targeted Oct 16, 2026; effective May 3, 2027

The federal layer

No federal fire code applies to a private building; OSHA's exit-route, fire-extinguisher and emergency-plan rules (29 CFR 1910 Subparts E and L) apply to every employer alongside the state fire code.

Questions about the fire code in Washington

Which fire code applies in Washington today?

2021 International Fire Code with Washington amendments (ch. 51-54A WAC), part of the State Building Code; effective Mar 15, 2024. Applies statewide to new and existing buildings under RCW 19.27, including WA-amended Chapter 11 existing-building rules. Took effect with the 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC and UPC; last amended by WSR 23-20-027.

Who enforces the fire code in Washington?

Cities and counties enforce through local fire code officials (RCW 19.27.050); State Fire Marshal's Office (WSP) inspects state-licensed health, residential-care and child-care facilities and does plan review/inspection only where locals cannot; State Building Code Council adopts.

What changes next for the fire code in Washington?

New edition May 3, 2027. 2024 IFC with WA amendments: SBCC final adoption vote targeted Oct 16, 2026; effective May 3, 2027

Other areas in Washington

Everything in force in Washington

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