Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Bellingham, Washington, adopted the 2018 International Residential Code, including F, Q, and U. Wash. Admin. Code Chapter 51-51, Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code §17.10.010 (adoption), and §17.10.020 (amendments in section 118). Bellingham, Washington, adopted the 2018 International Building Code, including Appendix E. Wash. Admin. Code Chapter 51-50, Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code §17.10.010 (adoption), and §17.10.020 (amendments in section 117). Bellingham, Washington, adopted the 2018 International Existing Building Code. Wash. Admin. Code Chapter 51-50 and Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code §17.10.010 (adoption).

Note that the 2018 edition is the current effective code until March 15, 2024, when the 2021 edition will become effective. See PLRB, Washington Building Codes.

Helpful resources for Bellingham, Washington include the following.

• Jurisdiction's Information Page(s):
  • Bellingham, Washington Municipal Code
• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Washington

Residential Building Code

Washington adopted a statewide mandatory residential code that will control; however, local governments are free to make laws more strict (with some limitations).See PLRB, Washington Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Bellingham adopted the 2018 IRC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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2018 Washington State Residential Code (2018 IRC)(City of Bellingham, WA Municipal Code)

...Adoption not found...

Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Bellingham ? No
Comments:

The adoption of the residential code included an amendment stating that ice barrier underlayment is not required at the eaves.

Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria IRC Table R301.2(1)

Roof and Ground Snow Load: 20

Wind Speed (mph): 110

Topographic effects: No

Seismic Design Category: D1

Weathering: Moderate

Frost Line Depth: 12"

Termite: Slight to Moderate

Winter Design Temp: 22

Ice Barrier Underlayment Required: No

Flood Hazards: Per Bellingham Municipal Code BMC 17.76

Air Freezing Index: 1500

Mean Annual Temp: 51°

Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code § 17.10.020 (Section 118).

Comments

Bellingham, Washington, adopted the 2018 International Residential Code, including F, Q, and U. Wash. Admin. Code Chapter 51-51, Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code §17.10.010 (adoption), and §17.10.020 (amendments in section 118).

Note that the 2018 edition is the current effective code until March 15, 2024, when the 2021 edition will become effective. See PLRB, Washington Building Codes.

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.

No adoption of Appendix J regarding existing buildings could be found in the municipal code or city website. 

Bellingham, Washington, adopted the 2018 International Existing Building Code. Wash. Admin. Code Chapter 51-50 and Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code §17.10.010 (adoption).

Note that the 2018 edition is the current effective code until March 15, 2024, when the 2021 edition will become effective. See PLRB, Washington Building Codes.

Commercial Building Code

Bellingham adopted the 2018 IBC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

Auto Search - beta:

2018 Washington State Building Code (2018 IBC)(City of Bellingham, WA Municipal Code)

...Adoption not found...

Comments

Bellingham, Washington, adopted the 2018 International Building Code, including Appendix E. Wash. Admin. Code Chapter 51-50, Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code §17.10.010 (adoption), and §17.10.020 (amendments in section 117).

Note that the 2018 edition is the current effective code until March 15, 2024, when the 2021 edition will become effective. See PLRB, Washington Building Codes.

Existing Buildings

Bellingham, Washington, adopted the 2018 International Existing Building Code. Wash. Admin. Code Chapter 51-50 and Bellingham, WA, Muni. Code §17.10.010 (adoption).

Note that the 2018 edition is the current effective code until March 15, 2024, when the 2021 edition will become effective. See PLRB, Washington Building Codes.

Other Building Codes