Building Code Council TAG begins drafting smaller dwelling-unit rules, opens public proposals through Dec. 31

The Washington State Building Code Counciltechnical advisory group met Nov. 20 to begin drafting amendments intended to allow dwelling units smaller than the current minimum efficiency size.

The meeting, convened online but short a quorum, was informational only; the moderator told members they "won't be able to take any action" during the session. Members focused on how to reconcile the legislature's direction to reduce minimum dwelling-unit size with existing life-safety, accessibility and sanitation requirements.

Why it matters: The TAG is tasked with recommending amendments to the International Building Code (IBC) that have statewide effect. Any change to minimum unit sizes could affect housing design, permitting and accessibility triggers in a range of residential projects.

Members agreed on guardrails before considering lower floor-area thresholds. Tim Wooder (TAG member) emphasized life-safety elements would not be reduced: "I hope nobody wants to reduce those requirements." Participants repeatedly noted requirements for egress windows, door sizes, fire alarms, sprinklers, ventilation and sanitation remain in force even if unit-area rules change.

The group debated how to define the kitchen/cooking requirement that currently figures in the dwelling-unit definition as a "permanent provision for cooking." Sean Carlstrom (TAG member) and others suggested a pragmatic alternative: a dedicated 20-amp circuit and counter space for a plug-in cooking appliance could meet the intent without requiring a full installed range, while other participants cited Seattle—s approach, which accepts smaller appliance solutions in some cases.

Members also discussed accessibility triggers under chapter 11 and agreed that reduced-size allowances should not be interpreted as waiving accessibility obligations when those are legally triggered. Micah (TAG member) and others cautioned that whether accessibility applies depends on project scope (for example, whether an elevator is required), and the TAG should be explicit that reduced-size provisions do not automatically exempt projects from chapter 11 requirements.

Several participants urged alignment with the National Healthy Housing Standard for kitchen and habitable-room definitions, while others warned the standard (last substantially updated in 2018) may not reflect newer technologies such as induction cooktops.

Process and next steps: Staff confirmed a GovDelivery notice has already gone out and that the TAG will accept proposals through Dec. 31. Micah said the solicitation "will be accepting proposals through December 31," and staff said petitions will be reviewed by the TAG as they are received. Members agreed to begin drafting candidate language for chapter 12.08 that could be posted to the SBCC site and used as a basis for external proposals.

No formal votes were taken because the group lacked a quorum. The TAG agreed to continue work, coordinate submissions (either individually or by assignment), and return with draft language in subsequent meetings. The session adjourned after the group confirmed posting and receipt procedures for proposals.