Codes of Record

What applies to my job?

Pick the state and the product you build, install, or inspect. The card below answers from each state’s own record.

Commercial and utility energy storage systems in Washington

Which codes apply? In Washington, commercial and utility energy storage systems fall under the 2023 NEC, the 2021 IFC, the 2021 IBC, and the 2023 NFPA 855.

Cabinets and containers at a business, a campus, or a substation. State record read Oct 24, 2026. Data as of Oct 26, 2026.

Codes that reach commercial and utility energy storage systems

The edition Washington enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.

  1. NECNational Electrical Code
    2023 NECVerified

    in force since Apr 1, 2024

    Where it reaches the product. Article 706, with 705 for the interconnection.

    Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation (chapter 296-46B WAC), adopting NFPA 70-2023 · WAC 296-46B-010; chapter 19.28 RCW

    The 2026 NEC is adopted, not yet in force for December 31, 2026.

    The Washington NEC record
  2. IFCInternational Fire Code
    2021 IFCVerified

    in force since Mar 15, 2024

    Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, section 1207, and the operational permit.

    State Building Code Adoption and Amendment of the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code (chapter 51-54A WAC) · WAC 51-54A-003; chapter 19.27 RCW

    The 2024 IFC is proposed for May 3, 2027.

    The Washington IFC record
  3. IBCInternational Building Code
    2021 IBCVerified

    in force since Mar 15, 2024

    Where it reaches the product. Occupancy, construction type, and separation for the building that holds the system.

    State Building Code Adoption and Amendment of the 2021 Edition of the International Building Code (chapter 51-50 WAC) · WAC 51-50-003; WAC 51-50-008; chapter 19.27 RCW

    The 2024 IBC is proposed for May 3, 2027.

    The Washington IBC record
  4. NFPA 855NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems
    2023 NFPA 855Verified

    in force since Mar 15, 2024 · Adopted directly

    Where it reaches the product. The whole standard: siting, size and separation, fire control, explosion control, and commissioning.

    State Building Code Adoption and Amendment of the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code (chapter 51-54A WAC) · WAC 51-54A-1201.1; WAC 51-54A-1207

    The Washington NFPA 855 record

Washington laws that name commercial and utility energy storage systems

On the site: 10 laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.

Law or ruleKindStageDateWhat it does
E3SHB 1960E3SHB 1960 (2025-26 biennium, passed in the 2026 regular session), Chapter 260, Laws of 2026BillPartialEnacted, not yet in forceJan 1, 2028Replaces property tax on solar, wind, and battery storage facilities of 10 MW or more with state and local excise taxes from 2028. Funds local investment distributions and requires a model siting ordinance; counties seeking those funds may not adopt stricter siting standards. Source (opens in a new tab)
WSR 26-10-069Washington State Register, WSR 26-10-069Code amendmentVerifiedPendingMay 5, 2026Proposes the 2024 International Fire Code as the state fire code. Source (opens in a new tab)
Chapter 173-905 WACWashington State Register, WSR 26-01-103RulePartialIn forceJan 16, 2026Requires producers of portable batteries to join approved stewardship plans from Jan 1, 2027, and adds medium format batteries in 2029. From Jan 1, 2028, retailers may not sell large format batteries without producer marking. Source (opens in a new tab)
ESSB 5445ESSB 5445 (2025 regular session), Chapter 265, Laws of 2025BillPartialIn forceJul 27, 2025Lets small solar arrays under 1,000 square feet, parking-lot solar canopies, and landfill solar skip state environmental review. Source (opens in a new tab)
Kitsap County Ordinance 639-2025Battery energy storage systemsLocal ordinancePartialIn forceJun 11, 2025Pauses county acceptance of new battery storage system applications under a 365-day moratorium adopted Jun 11, 2025. An extension runs it to Dec 7, 2026. Source (opens in a new tab)
WAC 51-54A-1207Code amendmentPartialIn forceMar 15, 2024Requires storage systems above set thresholds, such as 20 kWh for lithium-ion, to be Listed to UL 9540, with spacing and location limits. Source (opens in a new tab)
Chapter 70A.555 RCWStatutePartialIn force–Requires battery producers to fund collection programs for portable batteries from 2027 and medium format batteries up to 2,000 Wh from 2029. Requires producer marking on large format batteries, those over 2,000 Wh or 25 pounds, from Jan 1, 2028, and studies their end-of-life handling. Source (opens in a new tab)
Chapter 80.50 RCWBattery energy storage systemsStatutePartialIn force–Allows stand-alone battery storage facilities to seek state site certification, which is optional. Source (opens in a new tab)
Department of CommerceBattery energy storage resources for local governments and state agenciesAgency guidancePartialIn force–Gives local governments voluntary guidance on battery storage permits. Source (opens in a new tab)
SB 5283SB 5283 (2025 regular session)BillPartialDid not pass–Would have barred the state siting council from preempting local laws that prohibit certain storage facilities in critical areas. Source (opens in a new tab)

Every Washington law on commercial and utility energy storage systems, with filters

For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use