Washington adopts the International Building Code statewide through chapter 51-50 WAC, setting maximum heights and stories tied to construction type and occupancy classifications.
RCW 19.27 mandates uniform statewide adoption of the IBC and IRC by the State Building Code Council. Tables 504.3 and 504.4 of the IBC, as adopted in WAC 51-50, fix maximum building heights from 40 feet for Type V wood-frame to 160 feet for Type IA noncombustible structures, modifiable by sprinklering. Cities cannot weaken these life-safety limits but may impose stricter zoning heights.
Permit denial, stop-work orders, and code compliance penalties up to $500 per day under RCW 19.27.050.
See how Kennewick's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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