Controlling costs imposed by the state energy code to make housing more affordable.

Washington HB2486 aims to control costs imposed by the state energy code to make housing more affordable. The bill restricts amendments to the state building code that affect single-family or multifamily residential buildings, ensuring they do not exceed the cost of building according to the state energy code in effect on January 1, 2026. It allows code officials to approve less costly options if full compliance is economically impractical. The bill also directs the state building code council to focus on controlling cost escalation when updating the state energy code.

Controlling costs imposed by the state energy code to make housing more affordable.

Washington HB2486 aims to control costs imposed by the state energy code to make housing more affordable. The bill restricts amendments to the state building code that affect single-family or multifamily residential buildings, ensuring they do not exceed the cost of building according to the state energy code in effect on January 1, 2026. It allows code officials to approve less costly options if full compliance is economically impractical. The bill also directs the state building code council to focus on controlling cost escalation when updating the state energy code.