Building Codes and Regulations
The City of Vancouver adopted Codes
2021 I-Codes with Washington Amendments, effective 03/15/2024
2023 NEC, National Electrical Code, effective 04/01/2024
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and WAC 51-50
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and WAC 51-51
- 2021 International Existing Building Code and WAC 51-50-480000
- 2021 International Mechanical Code and WAC 51-52
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code and WAC 51-52-21000
- 2021 International Fire Code and WAC 51-54A
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code and WAC 51-56
- 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- 2021 Washington State Energy Code, Commercial WAC 51-11C
- 2021 Washington State Energy Code, Residential WAC 51-11R
- 2021 Wildlife-Urban Interface Code and WAC51-55 (Delayed)
- 2023 National Electrical Code
- ICC/ANSI A117.1-2017 Accessibility and WAC 51-50-1101.2
- ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Design Criteria
- Washington State Water Conservation Code
- Vancouver Municipal Code Title 17
The Washington State Building Code is comprised of the model code editions listed with the Washington State Amendments, which may be downloaded from the Washington State Building Code Council at sbcc.wa.gov.
Energy Code Forms and Information
The 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) is currently in effect.
Commercial
2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) Commercial Provisions
Note that Commercial Provisions apply to all commercial occupancies, Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies greater than 3 stories above grade, and Group R-1 (all building heights). Further, compliance with the Energy Code is required throughout WA State for all new construction, additions, and retrofits.
The WSEC is significantly more stringent than the IECC and requires additional efficiency design elements for compliance.
The online compliance documentation webtool printout should be submitted with your building, electrical, or mechanical permit to show compliance with the code provisions that apply to the project and the design measures taken to comply with these provisions. Please note that the COMcheck is not permitted due to the Washington Amendments.
Residential
2021 WSEC Residential Provisions
New to the Energy Code? There are many resources available through the WSU Energy Program.
Residential codes encourage a more efficient use of energy through leak and blower door testing, duct sealing, higher insulation values, indoor and outdoor lighting fixture efficacy requirements, and compliance of all space-conditioning systems, which includes air handlers, outdoor condensing units of a split system air conditioner or heat pump, cooling or heating coil or furnace exchanger.
Forms may also be downloaded from the WSU Energy Program.
New construction and additions require the following forms:
- Prescriptive Worksheet
- Glazing Schedule
- Heating System Sizing Worksheet
Remodels and alterations require the Alterations (Remodel) Worksheet.
Duct Testing: This applies to all Single Family, Mechanical or Residential permits where a furnace or air conditioner is added or replaced. Duct testing is required and test affidavit must be submitted to the City, (see forms below), prior to final approval.
Please email completed test affidavits to inspections@cityofvancouver.us or fax to 360-487-7801.
Minimum Design Criteria and Structural Loads
All other loading per 2021 IRC Chapter 3 or 2021 IBC Chapter 16.
Snow
Based on site ground elevation and drift calculations as required by ASCE 7-16, Chapter 7
| Ground Snow Load up to 150 feet | 20 psf |
| Ground Snow Load over 150 feet | 25 psf |
| Roof Snow Load (regardless of slope) | 25 psf minimum |
Seismic Design Category
Seismic upgrade may be required for existing buildings (addition or alteration) due to change of use/occupancy/risk category
| Residential | D1 |
| Commercial | D |
Soil Bearing Pressure
1,500 psf or site-specific current geotechnical report
Flood
FEMA Maps
Climate Zone
4C-Marine
Design Temp
| Winter | 22° F |
| Summer | 88° F |
| Mean Annual | 50° F |
Ice Shield and Air Index Freezing
Not Applicable
Subject to Damage
| Termite | Slight to Moderate |
| Frost | 12″ Minimum |
| Decay | Slight to Moderate |
| Weather | Moderate |
Wind
Risk Occupancy Category
Table 1604.5 3-second gust wind
| Residential (IRC) and Commercial (IBC) II | V=97 mph |
| Commerical (IBC) III | V=103 mph |
| Commercial (IBC) IV | V=107 mph |
Exposure Category Based on Site Specific Conditions
| Exposure B | Minimum |
| Exposure C | All structures within 1,500 feet of the Columbia River. |
Cell Tower and Flag Poles
Cell Tower-TIA-22-H-2017 and Flag Poles-NAAMMFP 1001-18
V=97 mph (Vasd=75 mph) without ice
Vc and radial ice thickness based on ASCE 7-16 Figure 10.4-5
Decks and Balconies
Residential (IRC) – 60 psf minimum
- WAC 51-51-R301.5
- SBCC Interpretation No.16-1
Commercial (IBC) – 1.5x live load of area served, not to exceed 100 psf
- IBC Table 1607.1 item 5
Rainfall
1.4 in/hour
Maximum rate of rainfall storm drainage for 60-minute duration, 100 year hourly rate
Radon Potential
High-Zone 1
Residential occupancies require radon protection and testing WAC 51-51-R332, IRC Appendix F (IRC) and WAC 50-50-1202.7 (IBC)