Important Information Regarding the WA State Building Code

Effective date is March 15, 2024.
The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code Is not adopted.

Updates:
3/19/2024 — WUI not adopted

All manufacturers of commercial and residential modular buildings, including tiny houses — please read these documents.

Updates:
01/16/2024 — FAS WUI code implementation Guidance
01/16/2024 — FAS WUI plan submittal Checklist

The State Building Code Council voted on September 15, 2023 to delay the effective date of the 2021 Washington State codes. The previous effective date was October 29, 2023 and July 1, 2023 respectively.

Updates:
01/29/2024 — 2021 WSEC Code Cycle 2nd Notice
09/26/2023 — Recent 2021 Code Cycle Adoption Delay — All Codes
05/30/2023 — 2021 Code Cycle Adoption Delay — All Codes
05/09/2023 — 2021 WSEC Code Cycle

Original:
02/28/2023 — 2021 Code Cycle Adoption by the FAS Program — All manufacturers of modular buildings, commercial coaches, and temporary worker housing — please read this document.

A tiny house is a dwelling that may be built on wheels and is no larger than 400 square feet, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping/living area, and must be built to the Washington State Building Code. The approval process for a tiny house depends on where it's built.

On this page, you can determine whether you need approval of construction plans and inspections from L&I or the local building department where the house is being built.

• If you are building a tiny house on the site where it will be occupied and used, then you do not need to read any further: Contact your local building department . You may also need an L&I electrical inspection.
• If you're building a structure with wheels , that's not a tiny house as described above, then you may be building a recreational vehicle or park model. We inspect and regulate these units. You will need to contact your local building department to find out where it can be located or placed. See our bulletin for additional clarification on units L&I regulates.
• If you're purchasing a manufactured home of any size, including a tiny manufactured home, then you will need to contact your local building department to find out where it can be located.
• If you're building a tiny house somewhere other than where it will be occupied and used, then see the Building a Tiny House tab.

Next, see the building a tiny house tab.

L&I is the building department for the construction of tiny houses that are built at offsite locations, such as a factory or even a back yard. L&I reviews plans and inspections for tiny houses built offsite from where they will be placed.

Note: The design of your tiny house must also meet local building department criteria. Contact your local building department for their requirements and permit information.

To get a tiny house approved:

First, Download and review the tiny house information packet. *Updated 07/01/2024
It includes the standards to which you need to design, plan, and build your tiny house.

Next, fill out these applications:

• Tiny House Plan Approval & Insignia Request form (F623-039-000): This is your basic application and gets the insignia for the L&I inspector to place on your tiny house. The insignia is also important when talking with your local building department when you place the residence.

• Notification to Local Enforcement Agency (F623-013-000): This is included with a copy of your plan that is sent to the local building department upon L&I approval.

Finally, email FAS1@lni.wa.gov for electronic submittal and payment instructions.

We review plans on a first come, first served basis. Normally it will be several weeks before we can start the actual review. We will notify you if we need more information or when your plans are approved.

Next, see the do the work tab.

Once plans for your tiny house are approved, you can start work.

Some important notes about licensing requirements:

When you build a tiny house there are several registration, and licensing issues you need to be aware of and consider.

• You may need to be a registered general contractor depending where you are going to work on a tiny house, and what duties you are performing. Contact L&I's contractors program to find out the requirements for your situation.
• All plumbing must be installed by a Washington state licensed residential or commercial plumber.
• All electrical work must be performed by a Washington State licensed electrical contractor and licensed electricians. You will need to get an L&I electrical permit to connect your house to power.

There are exceptions for homeowners doing electrical and plumbing work on their own house. Please contact L&I's plumbing program and electrical program to determine the licensing requirements for your situation.

Note: Local building permits will be required for everything from the tiny houses foundation, installation, and its location on a property. Remember to contact your local building official for more information.

Next, see the get inspected tab.

You will need to have your tiny house inspected several times by L&I as you complete certain stages of construction. You must contact us using either an in-state or out-of-state inspection request form before covering any work on the house. Our inspector will contact you to confirm an appointment.

When you need an inspection depends on when you complete the stages of construction shown on the form. This can include:

• Floor.
• Plumbing.
• Electrical.
• Frame.
• Mechanical.
• Energy Code.
• Final.

Be ready for the inspection. If you've requested an inspection and you're not ready, you will still be charged. If the inspector must return to the location, you will be charged additional fees.