In a recent meeting of the Building Code Council held on April 25, 2025, discussions centered around the pressing need to address both the 2024 and 2021 code processes. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as council members and stakeholders navigated the complexities of legal orders and compliance issues.

Jim Denison, a staff attorney for the Sierra Club, emphasized the binding nature of oral orders in Washington law. He clarified that, according to legal precedents, oral rulings hold the same weight as written orders, a point that could significantly impact the council's decision-making process. Denison urged the council to focus its limited resources on developing the 2024 codes rather than getting entangled in the ongoing legal discussions surrounding initiative 02/1966.

Greg, another council member, highlighted the overlap between the 2021 code review and the Energy Performance Code Act (EPCA). He pointed out that while the council is currently focused on the EPCA, there are unresolved violations from the 2021 review that still need attention. Greg advocated for moving forward with the code updates, suggesting that many proposals already have a consensus among stakeholders, which could streamline the process.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the council faces a critical juncture. With legal complexities and compliance issues looming, the members are tasked with making decisions that will shape the future of building codes in Washington. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and proactive measures to ensure that the council meets its obligations while addressing the needs of the community effectively.

As the council prepares for the next steps, the implications of these discussions will resonate beyond the meeting room, influencing the regulatory landscape and the built environment across the state.