Washington 2021 Code Cycle Adoption by the FAS Program

All L&I approved 2018 code cycle plans for: Factory-Built Housing and Commercial Structures (modular buildings), Commercial Coaches, and Temporary Worker Housing expire on June 30, 2023.

Beginning May 15, 2023, manufacturers may submit plans to L&I FAS for the new 2021 building code cycle. It is strongly suggested that any plans submitted after May 15, 2023 be designed to the new codes. 2021 building code cycle plans must be designed to the WA State Building Code which includes: 2021 versions of the International Codes with Washington State Amendments, the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code with Washington State Amendments, and the National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70 – as amended by WAC 296-46B) in force at the time of submittal; currently the 2020 NEC*.

* Washington anticipates the adoption to the 2023 version of the NEC on January 1, 2024. Any buildings being constructed using plans approved under the 2020 NEC will need to be completed within 180 days of the actual WA State adoption date of the 2023 version, or the plans must be updated using the addendum process (fees apply) if you wish to receive inspections and insignia following that date.

It has recently become known that forms and webtools typically available for verification of compliance with the 2021 WSEC Commercial and Residential may not be available until June. This is the earliest projected timeframe from the technical support folks at WAenergycodes.com and the WSU energy program.

All plans submitted for the 2021 code cycle must demonstrate compliance with the new WSEC version included in the WA State Building Code. In an effort to assist with earlier timeframe for FAS submittals, you may:

• Submit documentation that provides all the current applicable information required (as typically included on the 2018 WSEC forms – please consider them as a format guide/template). This document will need to be separate from, and in addition to, the design sheets, assembly details, and notes of the plan set. Our plans examiners will use your energy document(s) for verification of the WSEC compliance of your plans.

For convenience, we have listed some of the items commonly identified during plan review as needing correction – this is not to be considered a complete list. Please ensure:

• The energy code compliance path is clearly stated,
• All assembly information is detailed – material types, locations, R-values and similar,
• All credits/additional efficiency options summarized,
• Any calculations are provided (including source information for values used),
• Supporting equipment specifications are included (highlighting proposed models if applicable),
• Hot water system requirements per Sections C404.3, and R403.5 and similar
• Wall opening percentage including new Section 402.1.4.3 requirements

Once the forms/tools are available –

• We will require any submittals received after the date(s) the actual forms/tools become available to include the available WSEC forms/web tool outputs.
• If your plans are under review, and require energy code comments, we may request that you complete and submit any forms/web tools that are available at that time as part of your plan report response.

This update is provided in addition to the original guidance sent 2/28/23. Please review that document as well for the most complete information. If you have not received the original, please visit this link or email FAS1@LNI.WA.GOV and request a copy.

Feedback about our services at ICC NTA, LLC is always appreciated, and we encourage you to complete our one-question Client Satisfaction Survey.

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