WA HB2486

Code officials may approve construction designs that don't fully comply with state energy code requirements when full compliance is physically impossible or economically impractical, defined as costs that cannot be recovered through energy savings within 10 years.

During the 2026 and 2029 code cycles, the State Building Code Council is prohibited from imposing requirements that increase construction costs for residential buildings 1,700 square feet or smaller beyond January 1, 2026 energy code levels.

Affordable housing projects may be approved using less costly provisions from prior versions of the state energy code.

Washington's median new home price is $700,683 (sixth highest nationally), with 82% of households unable to afford a new home; prices are projected to exceed $900,000 by 2030.

Counties and cities may adopt amendments eliminating or reducing minimum gross floor area requirements for single-family detached dwellings below state building code standards.