Interpretations


 
 
 
 
 

Disclaimer: The State Building Code Council interpretations are limited in scope to those codes and amendments to the uniform codes that the Council promulgated. These interpretations may be issued at the request of a local building official. The final interpretations are the opinions of the Council and are advisory only.

Some of the Interpretations refer to illustrations, diagrams, and attached documentation.  These supporting documents are not posted on the Web.  If you would like a copy of a supporting document please request it from Council Staff.


Index:
State Building Code Interpretations
State Residential Code Interpretations
State Barrier-Free Code Interpretations
State Mechanical Code Interpretations
State Fire Code Interpretations
State Plumbing Code Interpretations
State Energy Code Interpretations
State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code Interpretations
 
 

Copyright © 2003 Washington State Building Code Council
Last modified: August 2007







NOTE:  Interpretations on codes previous to the 2003 editions are not applicable for any codes except the Washington State Energy Code and Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Codes as noted.


Building Code Interpretations
back to index
 

 Year

Interp 
Number

 Code Section Number

2007

07-05

IBC/IFC 903.2.2, Portable classrooms

2006

06-02
06-03

IFC Section 903.2.2/IBC Sections 3403, 3406 and 903.2.2
2003 IBC Section 3408.1 / IRC Section R102.7.2 moved bldgs

2005

05-01

2003 IBC Section 3403.1 / IFC Section 903.2.1.2 sprinklers in existing bldgs

2004

04-01

313.8.2.1, Fire sprinkler systems in LC Occupancies

2003

None

 

2002

None

 

2001

 01-05
01-08

313, LC Occupancies 
310.6.1 ex. 3 and 313.6.1 ex. 3, Ceiling heights

2000

00-03

Applicability of Previous Interpretations

1999

99-02
99-04
99-13

Chapter 29 and Table 29-A, Minimum Plumbing Fixtures 
313, LC Occupancies 
Chapter 29 and Table 29-A, Minimum Plumbing Fixtures

1998

98-05
98-11
98-13
98-17

304.2.2.1, Laboratories and vocational shops 
313 , LC Occupancies 
1004.3.4.5. Exception 4 
Chapter 29, Table 29-A, Minimum Plumbing Fixtures

1997

97-02
97-07
97-08
97-10

313, Licensed care (LC Occ) 
904.2.4.1 
313.1 and 313.2.1.3, Licensed care (LC Occ) 
313.4.3

1996

96-01
96-13

3802(e)3 [91 UBC] & 904.2.4.1 [94 UBC], Grp E Occ 
313.2.1.3

1995

95-15
95-25

3802 (e) 3 [91 UBC] & 904.2.4.1 [94 UBC] 
313.8.2.1

1994

None

 

1993

93-10

 Portable Classrooms



Residential Code Interpretations
back to index
 

 Year

Interp 
Number

 Code Section Number

2007

07-01
07-02
07-04
07-06
07-07
07-08
07-09

2006 IRC Section R703.1, Water resistive barrier
2006 IRC Appendix F, Radon mitigation
2006 IRC Section M1501.1, Exhaust fans
2006 IRC Appendix F, Radon mitigation
2006 IRC Appendix F/VIAQ, Hierarchy of codes re: radon
2006 IRC Section R403.1.6.1, Foundation anchorage
2006 IRC Appendix F, Radon mititgation

2006

06-03

2003 IBC Section 3408.1 / IRC Section R102.7.2 moved bldgs

2005

None

 

2004

None

 

 


Barrier-Free Interpretations (Chapter 11)
back to index
 

Year

Interp 
Number

Code Section Number

2007

None to date

 

2006

None

 

2005

None

 

2004

04-05

Group A Occupancies, Section 1103.1.2.1 (Religious facilities) (1997 Code)

2003

03-01

1104.1, Areas of Evacuation Assistance

2002

02-01
02-04
02-05

Sections 1111 and 1112, Additions and Alterations 
1107.3, Signs 
1103.2.2, Accessible Route of Travel

2001

01-01
01-02
01-03
01-09
01-10

1106.11, Fixtures for Use by Children 
1103.1.1, Exception 1, Accessibility of Equipment Shelters 
1109, Accessibility of Existing Buildings 
1105.4.9, Exception 3  Alarms 
1105.4.9  Alarms

2000

00-02
00-03
00-04
00-05
00-07
00-09
00-10
00-11
00-12
00-16
00-17

1105.4.9, Audible and Visible Alarms 
Applicability of Previous Interpretations 
1104.2.1, Areas of Evacuation Assistance 
1106.11.10, 1106.27,  Shower Stalls 
1103.2.2,  3000 sq ft Exemption 
1106.11,  Bathroom Facilities 
1109, Existing Buildings 
1104, Areas of Evacuation Assistance, Garages 
1107.1.4, Parking for Group R 
1107.2.5, "Firm and Stable" surface 
1111, 1112, Alteration of Existing Facilities

1999

99-03
99-05
99-06
99-11
99-14
99-15

1106.15, Visible Alarms 
1107.7, Parking 
1103.1.2.1, Religious Facilities 
Chapter 11, Applicability to Amusement Parks 
1102, Path of Travel 
1106.15 and UFC 1007.2.12.10, Visible Alarms

1998

98-01
98-02
98-03
98-04
98-10

1103.2.2, 1112, and 2902.3 
1103, Building Accessibility 
1111 and 1103.1.2.1 
1106.4.7.7, Curb Ramp Orientation 
1105.4.8 and 1106.3

1997

97-03
97-04
97-05
97-09

904.3.2 and 1105.4.9, Alarms 
1105.4.9, Visual Alarms 
1106.3.1, Control and Hardware 
1106.27.1, Exception 12, Operation

1996

96-03
96-10
96-11

1103.2.3 
1106.9, 1006.9, 1103.2.2 & Ex 1103.2.2, Stairways 
1105.4.9, Alarms

1995

95-01
95-04
95-08
95-11
95-13
95-14
95-18
95-22
95-23

51-20-3106 (d) 8 
51-20-3106 (c) 2 
51-20-3103 (a) 8B ex.2 & 3105 (c) 1A ex.1&2 
51-30-1103.1.2.1 & 1014.5 
51-20-3111 (para 5) & 51-30-1111 & 1103.1.8.2 
51-20-3106 (j) 5 
51-30-1106.11.9.4 
51-30-1105.3.2 D 
51-30-1112.1.4.3 & 1112.2

1994

94-02
94-03
94-04
94-06
94-07
94-08
94-09
94-62
94-63
94-64
94-65
94-66
94-67
94-68
94-76
94-79
94-80

51-20-3106 (j) D and E, Door Clearances 
51-20-3103 (b) 2, Exception 2, 3000 square foot Exemption 
51-20-3106 (p) 5, Sinage 
51-20-3106 (d), 3106 (d) 7C, Exception 1, Curb Ramps 
51-20-3107 (a) 6, Parking 
51-20-3103 (A) 8B, Exception 4A(i), Site Exemptions 
51-10-5501 (c), Hardware 
51-20-3106 (m) and 3106 (m) 5, Water Fountains 
51-20-3106 (m) and 3106 (m) 5, Water Fountains 
51-20-3106 (g) 4 and 3106 (g) 5, Thresholds 
51-20-3104 (a), Areas of Evacuation Assistance 
51-20-3106 (d) 7D, Access Aisles 
51-20-3106 (d) 8, Detectable Warnings 
51-20-3103(a)8, 3106(aa)1 and 3106(c)2, Reach Ranges 
51-20-3103 (a) 3 and 3105 (d) 6, Self Storage Facilities 
51-20-3106 (k) 3A, Toilet Stalls 
51-20-3106 (k) 4, Toilet Stalls

1993

93-05
93-06
93-07
93-11
93-12
93-13
93-14
93-15
93-19
93-20
93-21
93-23
93-25
93-26
93-27
93-28
93-29
93-30
93-31
93-32
93-33
93-34
93-35
93-36
93-37
93-38
93-39
93-40
93-41
93-42
93-43
93-47
93-48
93-49
93-50
93-51
93-52
93-53
93-54
93-55
93-56
93-57
93-58
93-59
93-60
93-61
93-62
93-63
93-64
93-65
93-66
93-67
93-68
93-69
93-70
93-71
93-72
93-73
93-74
93-75
93-76
93-77
93-78
93-79
93-80
93-81
93-83
93-84
93-85
93-86
93-87
93-88
93-89

Areas of Evacuation Assistance and Exit Enclosures (1992 Code)
Elevators and Residential Occupancies (1992 Code)
Accessibility of Residential Units (1992 Code)
Clear Floor Space and Door Swing (1992 Code)
Parking Garages and Areas of Evacuation Assistance (1992 Code)
Automatic Door acuators (1992 Code)
Additions and Path of Travel Improvements (1992 Code)
Accessibility of Raised Platforms (1992 Code)
Alterations and Change of Occupancy (1992 Code)
Substantial Alterations (1991 Code)
Grab Bars (1991 Code)
Accessible Means of Egress from Second Story (1992 Code)
Emergency Evacuation Plans (1991 Code)
Exit Enclosures (1991 Code)
Vented Exit Enclosure (1991 Code)
Hardware for Areas of Evacuation Assistance (1991 Code)
Exempt Spaces (1993 Code)
Accessibility of Entrances (1993 Code)
Accessibility of Bathing Facilities (1993 Code)
Required Wheelchair Spaces in Small Assembly Areas (1993 Code)
Passenger Loading Zones (1993 Code)
Drinking Fountains (1993 Code)
Handrails (1993 Code)
Shower Controls (1993 Code)
Public Phones (1993 Code)
Shelving Accessibility (1993 Code)
Temporary Shelters (1993 Code)
Accessible Guest Rooms (1993 Code)
Guest Room Doors (1993 Code)
Merchandise Displays and Racks (1993 Code)
Clear Floor Space in Type A Units (1993 Code)
Convenience Stores (1993 Code)
Outlet Height (1993 Code)
Path of Travel Improvements (1993 Code)
Applicability of Previous Interps (1993 Code)
Protruding Objects and Route of Travel (1993 Code)
Accessible Lavatories (1993 Code)
Curb Ramps (1993 Code)
Exempt Spaces (1993 Code)
Commercial Kitchens & Employee Lounges (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Multiple Mezzanines (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Multi-Story Additions (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Non-Exempt Spaces (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Non-Exempt Spaces (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Area Separation Walls (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Mezzanines (1993 Code)
Required Elevators (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Occupancy Classification (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Occupancy Classification (1993 Code)
3000 sq ft Exemption and Retail/Office Space (1993 Code)
Elevators and Fire Stations (1993 Code)
Commercial Coaches (1993 Code)
Temporary or Seasonal Buildings (1993 Code)
Temporary or Seasonal Buildings (1993 Code)
Mezzanine Seating (1993 Code) (1993 Code)
Building Campuses or Complexes (1993 Code)
Townhouses (1993 Code)
Alterations and Path of Travel (1993 Code)
Accessible Seating (1993 Code)
Landings (1993 Code)
Curb Ramps (1993 Code)
Curb Ramps (1993 Code)
Additions and Path of Travel (1993 Code)
Type A Accessibility in a Multi-Storied Unit (1993 Code)
Visible Alarms (1993 Code)
Applicability of Code (1993 Code)
Outlet Height (1993 Code)
Path of Travel Improvements (1993 Code)
Path of Travel Improvements (1993 Code)
Path of Travel Improvements (1993 Code)
Office Partitions (1993 Code)
Security/Rolldown Gates (1993 Code)
Doors on an Accessible Route of Travel (1993 Code)


 


Mechanical Code Interpretations
back to index
 

Year

Interp 
Number

Code Section Number

2007

None to date

(See IRC 07-04)

2006

None

 

2005

None

 

2004

None

 

2003

None

 

2002

None

 

2001

01-06

1104.3.2, Ventilated Spaces

2000

00-01
00-15

901.4, Unvented Decorative Gas Logs 
Chapter 11, Labeling of Refrigerant Piping

1999

99-09

Applicability of Previous Interpretations

1998

98-06
98-07
98-16

1002.2, Using Water for Space Heating 
1312.18, Fuel Gas Pipe Labeling 
Chapter 51-04 WAC, Adoption of Appendices

1997

None

 

1996

None

 

1995

95-17
95-19

327.6 (paragraph 3) 
203 and 327.6

1994

None

 

1993

None

 


 


Fire Code Interpretations
back to index
 

Year

Interp 
Number

Code Section Number

2007

07-05

IBC/IFC 903.2.2, Portable classrooms

2006

06-02

IFC Section 903.2.2 / IBC Sections 3403, 3406 and 903.2.2

2005

05-01

2003 IBC Section 3403.1 / IFC Section 903.2.1.2 sprinklers in existing bldgs

2004

None

 

2003

None

 

2002

None

 

2001

None

 

2000

None

 

1999

99-15

1007.2.12.10, Visible Alarms

1998

98-08
98-16

 5201.1, Fleet Fueling 
Chapter 51-04 WAC, Adoption of Code Appendices

1997

None

 

1996

96-04

7904.5.4.2.2.1 and  5201.1, Fleet Fueling

1995

None

 

1994

None

 

1993

None

 


 


Plumbing Code Interpretations
back to index
 

Year

Interp 
Number

Code Section Number

2007

None to date

 

2006

None

 

2005

None

 

2004

04-04

Applicability of previous interpretations

2003

03-02

603.3.3, Backflow Assembly Testing

2002

None

 

2001

None

 

2000

00-06

301 Standards and Alternates 

1999

99-07

Applicability of Previous Interpretations

1998

98-12
98-16

608.5 Exception, Relief Valve Drains 
Chapter 51-04 WAC, Adoption of Code Appendices

1997

None

 

1996

None

 

1995

95-24

1301, Relief Valves

1994

None

 

1993

93-09
93-22
93-91

Number of Fixtures (with the Building Code)
Number of Fixtures in Assembly Occupancies (with the Building Code)
Water Conservation Standards


 


Energy Code Interpretations
back to index
 

Year

Interp 
Number

Code Section Number

2007

07-03

1423, Economizers

2006

06-04

1120 and 1310  Outdoor heaters

2005

None

 

2004

None

 

2003

None

 

2002

02-02
02-03
02-06
02-07
02-08
02-09
02-10
02-11
02-12

Interps Applicable to the 2000 WSEC 
Interps Applicable to the 2001 WSEC 
1301, Applicability to ATM enclosures (2000 Code) 
1411.1, Definition of Furnace (‘01 Code) 
1412.4.1, Motorized Dampers (2001 Code) 
1452, Pool Water Heaters (2001 Code) 
1413, Economizers (2001 Code) 
1413.4, Humidification (2001 Code) 
1433, Economizers, Mechanical Room Exception (2001 Code)

2001

01-04

1411.4, Packaged Electric Heating & Cooling Equipment

2000

00-13

Table 14-5, Insulation of Return Air Ducts

1999

99-01
99-08

201, Definition of Small Business 
1412.2 and 1412.5, Heat Pumps 

1998

None

 

1997

None

 

1996

96-05
96-06
96-07
96-08
96-09

504.5-504.8 and 1450, Water heat and pools 
1532, Fueling Station Canopy 
1512, Exempt Lighting 
1512.1 (2), Safety Official Definition 
502.1.6.3 and 1313.2 Roof/Ceiling Ventilation

1995

95-02
95-03
95-06
95-07
95-09
95-10
95-12
95-16
95-20
95-21

1132.3 Lighting and Motors 
1531 Interior Lighting Power Allowance 
1436 WSEC & 304 VIAQ 
Table 14-5 Duct Insulation 
1401 Mechanical Systems Scope 
1411.4 Packaged Equipment 
101.3.2 Application to Existing Buildings 
1310.2 Semi-Heated Spaces 
1322 Opaque Envelope Exception 2 
502.1.4.8 and 1311.5 Slab-on-grade

1994

94-01
94-12
94-14
94-15
94-16
94-17
94-18
94-19
94-21
94-22
94-24
94-25
94-27
94-28
94-29
94-30
94-31
94-32
94-34
94-35
94-36
94-37
94-38
94-39
94-40
94-41
94-42
94-43
94-44
94-45
94-46
94-47
94-48
94-49
94-50
94-51
94-52
94-53
94-54
94-55
94-56
94-57
94-58
94-59
94-60
94-61
94-69
94-70
94-71
94-72
94-73
94-74
94-75
94-77
94-78
94-81

1323.3 
502.1.5.1 & 502.1.5.2 Ex 1, Glazing&Door U-Values 
1437, Electric Motor Efficiency 
1437, Electric Motor Efficiency 
1132.3 and 1437, Electric Motor Efficiency 
1437, Electric Motor Efficiency 
1130, Existing Bldgs & 1132.3, Lighting & Motors 
1311.6, Radiant Floors 
Equation 13-1, Target UA 
1512, Exempt Lighting, Exception 3 
1510, General Requirements, Lighting 
Table 15-1, Unit Lighting Power Allowance (LPA) 
Tables 13-1 and 13-2, Footnote 1, Below Grade Walls 
1412.1, Temperature Controls 
1415, Piping Systems 
1442, Service Water Heating, Shut Off Controls 
Table 15-1, Lighting Power Allowance 
Tables 13-1 and 13-2, Building Envelope Requirements 
1301, 1401, and 1501, Precast Concrete Storage Structure 
1120, Job Shacks 
Table 14-6 and 1415, Piping Insulation 
1414.2, Exception 3, Insulation 
1313, Moisture Control 
Tables 13-1, 13-2, 20-A and 20-5, Envelope Requirements 
1311, Insulation 
1323, Glazing
1423, Economizers 
Tables 20-3 and 20-4A, Default U-Factors 
1301 and 1310.2, Semi-heated Spaces 
1130 and 1132, Existing Buildings 
1412.4.1, Dampers 
1302 and Tables 13-1 and 13-2, Envelope Requirements 
Tables 13-1 and 13-2 and 2005, Insulation Requirements 
Tables 13-1 and 13-2, Envelope Requirements 
1414.2 and Table 14-5, Duct Insulation 
1310, Semi-heated Spaces 
1310, Semi-heated Spaces 
1310, Semi-heated Spaces 
1311.5, Slab on Grade Floor 
1141.2. Plans and Specifications 
1423 and 1433, Economizers 
1438, Variable Flow Systems 
1121.2, Plans and Specifications 
1210, Application of Terms 
1310.2, Semi-heated Spaces 
1311.6, Radiant Floors 
1311.2, Roof/Ceiling Insulation 
503.8.3, Zone Temperature Control 
1437 and 1511, Electric Motor Efficiency 
1310, General Requirements 
Table 14-5, Duct Insulation 
1210, Heated Spaces 
502.4.3, Seals and Weather Stripping 
602, Building Envelope Requirements 
1433, Economizers 
Table 14-5, Duct Insulation

1993

93-03
93-44
93-82

502.1.4.6, Wall Insulation
503.4.4
505.2 (a) and 505.3


 


Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code Interpretations
back to index
 

Year

Interp 
Number

Code Section Number

2007

07-07

Hierarchy of VIAQ Chapter 5 and IRC App F

2006

06-01

502.1.2  Crawlspace ventilation

2005

None

 

2004

None

 

2003

None

 

2002

None

 

2001

01-07
01-11
01-12

302.3.3, 303.3.2, 303.4.1 (2000 Edition)  Fan Testing 
302.2.1  Source Specific Ventilation 
303.4.1.5  Outdoor Air Inlets, Exception

2000

00-08
00-14

302 & 303  Whole House Ventilation System 
302.6.4  Exhaust on Integrated Systems

1999

99-10

Applicability of Previous Interpretations

1998

98-09

101.3.1.2, Exhaust Fans

1997

97-06

502.1.2, Crawl Space/Radon Ventilation

1996

None

 

1995

95-05
95-06

Table 3-4, Smoke Removal Equipment 
304 VIAQ & 1436 WSEC

1994

94-05

304.1, Alternatives to VIAQ

1993

93-02
93-04
93-45

401.3, Fireplaces
401, Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
Table 3-5