The State Building Code Council voted April 25 to open a 60-day proposal window for residential code (IRC) petitions, running from April 25 through June 23.

Council members debated staff workload and whether the residential reports required for petition drafting were ready. Several council members and commenters urged the council to begin accepting petitions so stakeholders could file changes while committee and tag work continues. Council member Roger Harriga moved to open the proposal window immediately for 60 days; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Council staff said certain reports (existing amendments and significant changes) were not yet fully compiled but that the window-opening would allow petitioners to submit code-change proposals referencing the underlying model code or state amendment language. Staff also warned that timetables for tags to review petitions and for staff to prepare required economic and small-business impact analyses are tight and that special meetings and additional drafting support may be necessary.

Why it matters: The residential code affects design and construction of single-family and similar dwellings across Washington. Opening the proposal window initiates the formal petition intake step in the triennial code-adoption process; petitions filed during the window may be referred to tags for drafting and recommendation.

Ending: Staff said they would post draft reports as they become available and to coordinate with tags and stakeholders to manage review workloads during the open window.