Washington Association of Building Officials

2018 Code Effective Date extended to February 1, 2021

At a special council meeting on June 26, 2020 the State Building Code Council (SBCC)council voted to extend the code effective date to February 1, 2021.

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Guidance for Smaller Jurisdictions Seeking CARES Act Funding for Virtual Needs

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was enacted March 27, 2020 provides $150 billion to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in responding to the coronavirus pandemic through a newly established Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The U.S. Treasury Department has provided this funding to the states, local government, tribes and territories (SLTT) governments by formula. 

To find out more information on how to obtain funding for virtual needs, click here.

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WABO 2020 Annual Business Meeting - Virtual

Registration for the 2020 WABO Annual Business Meeting is now available.  With the uncertainty of Washington State reaching Phase 4 implementation (Governor's Inslee's Safe Start Plan) by our Annual Business Meeting, the Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person event that was scheduled to be held on July 30-31, 2020 in Bremerton, WA.  WABO will be holding our Annual Business Meeting virtually on Zoom Conferencing on July 30, 2020.  This special meeting includes elections of new Board members.

For more information and to register, click here.

Do you know someone who deserves a WABO Award? WABO members who have made an extra contribution to the organization will be recognized at our next in-person meeting in the fall. Click here to nominate someone.

WABO members are also looking for dedicated individuals willing to volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors.  If you would like to become a leader in our great organization, click here.

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Safe Start Washington

Gov. Jay Inslee  issued his Safe Start proclamation as the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order has expired on May 31st.

The governor announced Safe Start — Washington’s Phased Reopening plan on Friday during a press conference where he detailed the county-by-county approach.

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 Phase 1 Construction Restart

Gov. Jay Inslee, in consultation with the state’s construction industry, announced a plan today to allow current construction projects previously underway to be completed.

The recommendations were informed by workers, contractors, health and safety experts, and local government officials, for safe construction standards.

Read the full plan on the governor's Medium page. 

The governor signed an addendum to Proclamation 20–25. The memorandum serves as the criteria for a limited Phase 1 Construction Restart.

The governor’s office has also put together a list of frequently asked questions. Read them here.

Phase 2 Construction Restart

Gov. Jay Inslee  issued guidance for construction for Phase 2.

For counties granted variance, all construction, including new work, is allowed, effective May 15. 

• Memo: Resuming Construction
• Phase 2 Construction COVID-19 Job Site Requirements

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WABO Administrative Lobby Closed to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

WABO understands there is much apprehension within the state concerning the outbreak of COVID-19.  We have carefully considered all the practical information shared by public health officials, and we are taking steps to ensure we can continue providing services to our members.  We have re-opened the office for staff to resume work and will keep the lobby closed to the public.  If you need to physically come into the office we ask that you make an appointment.

Please contact staff members via e-mail for assistance or to schedule an appointment:

• Weld inquiries:  [email protected]
• Certification & Registration inquiries:  [email protected]
• Bookstore & Accounting inquiries:  [email protected]
• Executive Director:  [email protected]

Thank you for your cooperation, assistance and patience during this pandemic.

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 Online FEMA Training Opportunities

Right now would be a great time for everyone to consider taking  FEMA ICS-100, -200, -700 and -800 online courses and exams.  Employees should check with their employer to see what is required by their local jurisdiction (many do require some combination of the courses listed).  This will ensure we are all prepared or at the very least understand what we, the jurisdiction, should do during an emergency response.

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WABO 2020 Spring Business Meeting

Over 50 members attended the first ever WABO Virtual Spring Update Meeting on April 23, 2020. While we were disappointed in having to cancel the Spring meeting in Leavenworth, we were excited to have a great turnout on this platform with such short notice.

View Committee Updates

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