Energy Code - Overview

The effective date for the 2021 Seattle codes is November 15, 2024. Until then, applicants may use either the 2018 or draft 2021 Seattle codes. Please visit the 2021 Seattle Code Adoption webpage for updates.

What Is It?

Our Seattle Energy Code regulates the energy-use features of new and remodeled buildings, including:

  • Building Envelope: requirements for roofs, walls, window,s etc. to control heat loss and air leakage 
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): efficiency for heating and cooling equipment
  • Water Heating: equipment efficiency and controls
  • Lighting: number and type of lighting fixtures and controls
  • Metering, plug load controls, transformers, motors, and renewable energy

2021 Seattle Energy Code Amendment

We have posted the significant proposed changes to the 2021 Seattle Energy Codes in our 2021 Seattle Energy Code Key Changes Summary. You can read a revised draft of the 2021 Seattle Energy Code (SEC) on the 2021 Seattle Code Adoption webpage. The 2021 Seattle Energy Code is currently scheduled to go into effect November 15, 2024.

  • The 2021 SEC will largely match the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, including adoption of the new “fossil fuel compliance path.” Several significant 2018 SEC provisions have been adopted into the 2021 state code. 
  • Stringency levels of existing 2018 SEC provisions are maintained, and a few 2021 amendments provide greater efficiency than both the 2018 SEC and the 2021 state code. 
  • Several 2021 SEC amendments provide greater flexibility than was provided in the 2018 SEC for existing buildings, while other amendments are clarifications or corrections to the state code. 

Read the Code

Read 2018 Energy Code Amendment Heat Pump Scope Change for the consolidated approved code change language.

Below is a read-only version of the 2018 Seattle Energy Code with errata. You can buy a full pdf version from iccsafe.org. Print copies are available for sale through the Seattle Services Portal. See our pricelist and our ordering instructions.

The 2018 Seattle Energy Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code which is proprietary to and copyrighted by International Code Council, Inc. The licensed material is copyrighted by the International Code Council, Inc., has been obtained and reproduced with permission. The acronym “ICC” and the ICC logo are trademarks and service marks of ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Seattle Energy Code - Commercial


Seattle Energy Code - Residential

Washington State Appendices

Below is a read-only version of the 2015 Seattle Energy Code. You can buy a full version from iccsafe.org.

The 2015 Seattle Energy Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code which is proprietary to and copyrighted by International Code Council, Inc. The licensed material is copyrighted by the International Code Council, Inc., has been obtained and reproduced with permission. The acronym “ICC” and the ICC logo are trademarks and service marks of ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Seattle Energy Code - Commercial


Seattle Energy Code - Residential


Washington State Appendices

2009 Code

2012 Code

This is a read-only version of the 2012 Seattle Energy Code. You can buy a full version from iccsafe.org.

Seattle Energy Code - Commercial

 Seattle Energy Code - Residential

Washington State Appendices

Residential or Commercial Energy Code?

The Seattle Energy Code chapters that apply to your project depend on whether your project is a "residential building" or a "commercial building" as defined in the energy code. See below for a breakout of the chapters by each version of the code.

  • Use the “residential buildings” provisions for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses
  • Use the “residential buildings” provisions for 1-, 2-, and 3-story multifamily buildings
  • Use the “commercial buildings” provisions for 4-story and higher multifamily buildings
  • Use the “commercial buildings” provisions for non-residential buildings

Addition, Alteration, & Repair Projects

2015 and 2018 Code

  • Use Chapter 5 in the “residential building” portion of the code for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses, and for 1-, 2- and 3-story multifamily buildings
  • Use Chapter 5 in the “commercial building” portion of the code for non-residential and for 4-story and higher multifamily buildings

Construction and Inspections

Nathan Torgelson, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.