Seattle Energy Code
Overview

*** The 2009 Seattle Energy Code is in effect for nonresidential and residential spaces. Work is underway to update the Seattle Energy Code website. New material will be posted as it becomes available. Changes in the enforcement of Chapter 12 (energy metering and energy consumption management) and Chapter 16 (on-site renewable energy systems) took effect in July 2011.  For further information, see the 2009 Seattle Energy Code Update link. ***

Welcome to the City of Seattle's web site for the Energy Code. This site contains the entire text of the Energy Code in effect in Seattle: the 2009 Seattle Energy Code (2009 Washington State Energy Code plus Seattle amendments). This site also contains links to Client Assistance Memos, forms, and Directors Rules, as well as a search function for the Energy Code.

Energy Code
Energy Code requirements vary based on whether the space use is defined in Chapter 2 as single-family residential, multifamily residential, or nonresidential.

  • Chapters 1-10 of the Energy Code are referred to as the Single-Family Residential Energy Code and contain the requirements for all spaces within the scope of Section 101.2 of the Seattle Residential Code (such as single-family, duplexes, and certain attached townhouses).
  • Chapters 11-16 are referred to as the Nonresidential and Multifamily Residential Energy Code.
    - Multifamily residential is defined as all Group R occupancy spaces (such as dwelling units, hotel/motel guest rooms, dormitories) not included within the scope of Section 101.2 of the Seattle Residential Code and sleeping areas in Group I occupancy (such as assisted living facilities, nursing rooms, patient rooms in hospitals, prisons, and fire stations). 
    - Nonresidential includes all other spaces. 
    - Reference Standard (RS) 29 contains requirements that are only applicable to detailed computer analysis.

Single-Family Residential Energy Code

  • Chapter 1 - Administration and Enforcement
  • Chapter 2 - Definitions
  • Chapter 3 - Design Conditions
  • Chapter 4 - Building Design By Systems Analysis
  • Chapter 5 - Building Design by Component Performance Approach
  • Chapter 6 - Building Design by Prescriptive Requirements Approach
  • Chapter 7 - Standards
  • Chapter 8 - Suggested Software for Chapter 4 Systems Analysis Approach for Group R Occupancy
  • Chapter 9 - Prescriptive Heating System Sizing
  • Chapter 10 - Default Heat Loss Coefficients

Nonresidential and Multifamily Residential Energy Code

Reference Standard 29

  • RS 29 - Nonresidential Building Design by Systems Analysis

Client Assistance Memos
The Seattle Department of Planning and Development produces Client Assistant Memos (CAMs) to provide guidance to users on the intent of the Code and how to comply with its requirements.

Forms
As part of the permit application, the Seattle Department of Planning and Development requires that certain forms be submitted to document compliance calculations.

Director's Rules
Director's Rules (DRs) are technical interpretations of code requirements that have been issued by the Seattle Department of Planning and Development. These Director's Rules apply to projects within the Seattle City limits.

 

Last Updated:

19 August 2011