International Building Code
The 2009 International Building Code, incorporated by reference into the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50). Establishes minimum requirements for building systems through prescriptive and performance provisions.
International Building Code (2009)
Washington's State Building Code Council adopted the 2009 IBC as WAC 51-50, effective July 1, 2010, for buildings other than detached one- and two-family dwellings. The full text below is reproduced from the 2009 edition as incorporated into law, sourced from public.resource.org; Washington applies state amendments on top. It covers how buildings are classified, sized, and made safe to occupy.
- Accessibility
This chapter establishes the minimum design and construction requirements for buildings, facilities, and sites to ensure accessibility for physically disabled persons.
- Aluminum
This chapter governs the quality, design, fabrication, and erection of aluminum used in buildings and structures.
- Concrete
This chapter establishes requirements for materials, quality control, design, and construction of concrete used in structures, referencing ACI 318 and other standards.
- Definitions
This chapter establishes the specific meanings for words and terms used throughout the code to ensure consistent interpretation and application.
- Electrical
This chapter establishes the scope for electrical components, equipment, and systems in buildings and mandates their design and construction conform to NFPA 70.
- Elevators and Conveying Systems
This chapter governs the design, construction, installation, alteration, and repair of elevators, conveying systems, and their components.
- Encroachments Into the Public Right-of-way
This chapter regulates how structures may extend into the public right-of-way, including specific requirements for elements located below grade.
- Energy Efficiency
This chapter establishes regulations for the energy-efficient design and construction of buildings.
- Existing Structures
Chapter 34 establishes regulations for alterations, repairs, additions, and changes of occupancy in existing structures to ensure compliance with current building code requirements.
- Exterior Walls
Chapter 14 establishes minimum requirements for exterior walls, their coverings, openings, windows, doors, architectural trim, balconies, and bay and oriel windows.
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features
This chapter establishes requirements for materials, systems, and assemblies related to structural fire resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
- Fire Protection Systems
This chapter specifies where fire protection systems are required and governs the design, installation, and operation of various fire protection systems.
- General Building Heights and Areas
This chapter establishes controls for the height and area of new buildings and additions based on construction type, occupancy, and specified modifications.
- Glass and Glazing
This chapter establishes requirements for the materials, design, construction, and quality of glass, light-transmitting ceramic, and plastic panels in vertical and sloped applications.
- Gypsum Board and Plaster
This chapter establishes the requirements for the materials, installation, inspection, and design of gypsum board and plaster systems in building construction.
- Interior Environment
This chapter establishes regulations for the interior environment of buildings, covering aspects such as ventilation, temperature, lighting, sound transmission, room dimensions, material finishes, and rodent proofing.
- Interior Finishes
This chapter governs the use of interior finish materials, trim, decorative elements, and floor coverings, establishing classifications for fire performance and smoke development.
- Masonry
This chapter governs the materials, design, construction, and quality of masonry structures and components, including specific provisions for various masonry elements and design methodologies.
- Means of Egress
This chapter establishes the requirements for the design, construction, and arrangement of means of egress systems to ensure safe evacuation from buildings and their portions.
- Mechanical Systems
Chapter 28 of the IBC 2009 specifies that mechanical appliances, equipment, and systems, including masonry chimneys, fireplaces, and barbecues, must adhere to the International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and IBC Chapter 21.
- Plastic
This chapter establishes requirements for the materials, design, application, construction, and installation of various plastic products, including foam plastic, veneers, interior finishes, and light-transmitting plastics in buildings.
- Plumbing Systems
This chapter establishes general provisions for the erection, installation, alteration, and maintenance of plumbing systems, along with minimum plumbing facility requirements and toilet room standards.
- Referenced Standards
- Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
This chapter governs the design, materials, construction, and quality of roof assemblies and rooftop structures, including weather protection, performance, fire classification, and reroofing.
- Safeguards During Construction
This chapter establishes safeguards during construction, remodeling, alteration, repair, or demolition, and mandates protection for adjacent public and private properties.
- Scope and Administration
This chapter establishes the general provisions for the scope, applicability, administration, enforcement, permitting, and inspection requirements of the building code.
- Soils and Foundations
Chapter 18 details the requirements for designing and constructing building and foundation systems, encompassing geotechnical investigations, excavation, dampproofing, soil load-bearing values, and various foundation types.
- Special Construction
This chapter establishes regulations for various special building constructions, including membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways, automatic vehicular gates, awnings, canopies, marquees, signs, and towers.
- Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
This chapter outlines special detailed requirements for specific uses and occupancies, supplementing general building code provisions for buildings like high-rises, malls, atriums, and those housing hazardous materials.
- Steel
This chapter specifies requirements for the quality, design, fabrication, and erection of steel used structurally in buildings and structures, referencing various industry standards.
- Structural Design
This chapter establishes the minimum structural design requirements for buildings and structures, including provisions for various loads and design methodologies.
- Structural Tests and Special Inspections
This chapter establishes requirements for the quality, workmanship, and testing of structural materials and construction, including special inspections for wind and seismic resistance.
- Types of Construction
This chapter establishes the framework for classifying buildings based on their construction type and specifies the minimum fire-resistance ratings required for various building elements.
- Use and Occupancy Classification
This chapter establishes the framework for classifying buildings and structures into distinct occupancy groups based on their primary use, which then dictates applicable code requirements.
- Wood
This chapter outlines the requirements for materials, design, construction, and quality of wood members and their fasteners in building structures.