Washington Home Builders Push for 10-Year Building Code Update Freeze — Arguing Codes Have Added $30,000+ to New Home Costs Since 2009

The Building Industry Association of Washington has made a 10-year pause on statewide building code updates one of its top legislative priorities for 2026, arguing that the relentless pace of code changes is a major driver of unaffordable new home construction across the state. Since 2009, code changes have added over $30,000 to new home costs and have priced out more than 80% of Washington families’ ability to purchase a home, according to BIAW — and the association is pushing to pause new code updates for 10 years after the 2024 edition and move to a six-year code cycle going forward. Other BIAW priorities for 2026 include HB 1345, which would allow detached ADUs to be constructed outside of Urban Growth Areas under certain conditions, and SB 5729, which seeks to limit third-party reviews during permit application completeness checks — both aimed at reducing the cost and time burden of new residential construction. The debate over building code pace is one NW contractors should follow closely, as it directly affects both the cost of compliance and the price point at which new homes can be delivered to market.

Source URL: https://www.biaw.com/news/2026-session-preview-key-bills-and-priorities-for-washingtons-home-builders