R101.1 Title. This code shall be known as the Washington State Energy Code-Residential, and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as "this code."

R101.2 Scope. This code applies to residential buildings and the buildings sites and associated systems and equipment. This code shall be the maximum and minimum energy code for residential construction in each town, city and county. Residential sleeping units, Group I-1, Condition 2 assisted living facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 388-78A WAC and Group I-1, Condition 2 residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state under chapter 246-337 WAC shall utilize the commercial building sections of the energy code regardless of the number of stories of height above grade plane.

R101.3 Intent. This code shall regulate the design and construction of buildings for the effective use and conservation of energy over the useful life of each building. This code is intended to provide flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve this objective. This code is not intended to abridge safety, health or environmental requirements contained in other applicable codes or ordinances.

R101.4 Applicability. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern.

R101.4.1 Mixed residential and commercial buildings. Where a building includes both residential building and commercial building portions, each portion shall be separately considered and meet the applicable provisions of the WSEC - Commercial or WSEC - Residential Provisions.

R101.5 Compliance.Residential buildings shall meet the provisions of WSEC - Residential Provisions. Commercial buildings shall meet the provisions of WSEC - Commercial Provisions.

R101.5.1 Compliance materials. The code official shall be permitted to approve specific computer software, worksheets, compliance manuals and other similar materials that meet the intent of this code.