New Construction Codes in Effect February 1, 2021

The state mandates that the 2018 construction codes go into effect on February 1, 2021. These codes have been adopted and amended locally. New this code cycle, the City of Newcastle has consolidated the administrative provisions governing these codes into a Construction Administrative Code. To efficiently update the Newcastle Municipal Code, Title 15 has been updated in its entirety. Ordinance 2021-622 to adopt and amend our construction codes has been adopted and is available online. Updates will be available through code publishing shortly after the effective date. 

NEW CODES IN EFFECT FEBRUARY 1, 2021:

- 2018 International Building Code (IBC) – including ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009, “Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities”

- 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)

- 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 

- 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

- 2018 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) 

- 2017 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58) 

- 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

- 2018 International Fire Code (IFC)

- 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

- 2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) 

- 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)

NOTABLE LOCAL AMENDMENTS:
The Construction Administrative Code regulates the above noted codes and can be found in NMC 15.05. There are some revisions to permit fees which are included in NMC 15.05.109.

The City of Newcastle adopts City of Bellevue amendments to the IBC and IFC. Refer to Section 5 of City of Bellevue Ordinance 6531 for IBC amendments as noted in NMC 15.10.010.C. Refer to Section 2 of City of Bellevue Ordinance 6532 for IFC amendments as noted in NMC 15.40.010.C.

Snow loads are locally amended. Per NMC 15.10.020, IBC Section 1608.1 is amended. A snow load of not less than 25 psf is required for elevations up to 700 feet and 35 psf thereafter, or as determined by IBC Section 1607, whichever is greater. 

IRC Table R302.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria has been completed and is available here. 

The City of Newcastle adopts IBC Appendix J, “Grading” and Appendix G, “Flood-Resistant Construction.” 

PERMITTING:
Permit Applications accepted February 1, 2021, or later will be regulated under the 2018 construction codes. Deferred submittals that apply to a building permit regulated under the 2015 codes may be designed under the applicable 2015 codes. 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES:
Significant changes to the 2018 Construction Codes can be found here.

TRAINING:
The following resources are available for information on training:

- MyBuildingPermit.com

- WABO

- Residential Energy Code

- Commercial Energy Code

- IAPMO/UPC Plumbing Code

STATE AMENDMENTS:
State amendments to the codes can be found here.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Free online access to base model codes is available online through ICC. Please note that new this code cycle, the state amendments are available in online and printed editions of the IBC, IRC, IFC, WSEC, IMC, and IEBC.

The City of Bellevue provides access to their codes online. The City of Newcastle adopts most of the local amendments to the IBC and IFC. The documents available online include local and state amendments.