The 2021 Washington State Building Codes and the Washington State Energy Code have been adopted by the State of Washington and will go into effect in Pierce County on July 1, 2023.
Building permit applications submitted, accepted, and paid for after July 1 will be reviewed under the 2021 code cycle.
Application vesting
To vest your application to the 2018 code, you will need to submit a complete application in accordance with PCC 18.40.020 – which includes payment of fees – before July 1.
When should I submit my application to ensure it is vested?
Please submit your complete application no later than June 20 to guarantee it can be processed and any requested information can be provided ahead of the July 1 code change.
What can I do to ensure my application is submitted correctly?
Please make sure that you have verified all documents and that associated information is provided at the time you submit online. Please follow guidance from your submittal standard and PCC 18.40.020. Need help? Find out how to contact our Development Center.
Added inspection types
The 2021 Washington State Energy Code provides prescriptive compliance paths which require the installation of continuous wall insulation on the exterior walls of residential construction.
To accommodate this change, the existing energy inspection will be eliminated, and two separate inspections will be available to schedule:
- Exterior Energy: Inspection of exterior continuous wall insulation
- Interior Energy: Inspection of interior insulation
The new inspection choices will be effective July 1, 2023.
Learn more