Washington proposal aims to classify affordable housing under residential energy code

On April 4, 2025, the Building Code Council in Washington convened to discuss a significant proposal aimed at addressing the state's affordable housing crisis. The meeting highlighted the challenges developers face under current building codes, particularly regarding the construction of three-story residential buildings with interior corridors.

Patrick Hayes, a representative for several major developers, presented a compelling case for reverting to a previous code structure that would allow these buildings to be classified under the residential energy code rather than the commercial energy code. Hayes argued that this change could save developers approximately $1.5 million for every 100 units built, a crucial factor in making affordable housing projects financially viable. He cited several projects in Olympia, Lacey, Marysville, and Sumner that were scrapped due to the high costs associated with the current code requirements.

The proposal aims to facilitate the construction of "double loaded corridor" buildings—structures where apartments line both sides of a central hallway. Hayes emphasized that these designs not only reduce construction costs but also enhance security and energy efficiency, making them ideal for low-income housing in less secure neighborhoods. He noted that the most common topic on local news radio is affordable housing, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

However, the proposal faced opposition from some council members, including Lisa Rosenow, who raised concerns about the potential loss of important energy efficiency measures embedded in the commercial code. She argued that the current regulations ensure that multifamily buildings meet specific ventilation and heating requirements that might not be adequately addressed if the code were changed.

Despite the pushback, supporters of the proposal, including Greg Johnson and Larry Andrews, argued that aligning with model codes used in other states would streamline the building process and ultimately lead to more affordable housing options. They highlighted the need for flexibility in building design to accommodate various construction methods and energy systems.

Ultimately, the council voted on the proposal, which failed with a count of 5 to 8, alongside 4 abstentions. This outcome reflects the ongoing debate within the council about balancing cost efficiency for developers with the need for robust energy standards in residential construction.

As Washington continues to grapple with a housing shortage, the discussions from this meeting underscore the complexities of building regulations and their direct impact on the availability of affordable housing. The council's next steps remain uncertain, but the need for innovative solutions to housing challenges is clear.