Building Safety Month 2026

Building Safety Month logo and city landscape design for 2026

Built to Last

Throughout May, Kitsap County will participate in the 46th annual Building Safety Month, a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council, its members, and partners to promote building safety. This year's campaign is "Built to Last." The campaign encourages us to raise awareness about building safety on a personal, local, and global scale. We also celebrate the professionals who make the work of building safety happen.


Week One: "Safe Homes, Strong Communities" (May 1-10)

Building Safety Month kicks off with the basics: spotting everyday hazards before they turn into emergencies. In Kitsap County, simple upkeep goes a long way—especially with our mix of older homes, rainy weather, and busy households.

Look for the Quick Fixes
Overloaded outlets, worn cords, leaky plumbing, slippery steps, dim hallways, and blocked exits are some common issues. A quick walkthrough of your home can catch most of these.

Do the Easy Maintenance
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, clean dryer vents, swap HVAC filters, and keep gutters clear. These small tasks help prevent fires, water damage, and costly repairs.

Use Your Safety Features
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, GFCI outlets, fire extinguishers, and gates or barriers are installed where they should be—and actually work.

Permits Protect You
Planning a home project? Getting the right permits ensures work is safe, code‑compliant, and built to last. It protects your home, your investment, and your community.


Electric Safety Tips​ (Spanish version)

Week Two: "Voices of the Building Environment" (May 11-17)

The People Who Keep Kitsap County Safe

Behind every safe home and business in Kitsap County is a team of building safety professionals who review plans, inspect construction, and help make sure our buildings can handle daily use, storms, and emergencies. Their work protects everyone who lives, works, and gathers here.

Who They Are
Kitsap’s building safety professionals include inspectors, plans examiners, permit technicians, building officials, and fire marshals. They stay up‑to‑date on the latest codes, guide homeowners and contractors, and help ensure buildings are built and maintained safely.

When to Call Them
Starting a home project? Always check with your local building department before you begin. Many electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural changes require a permit. Inspections help catch issues early and keep your project safe and code‑compliant.

A Career That Builds Community
Building safety roles are in demand and offer a mix of office and field work across Kitsap County. These professionals support safe growth, help shape community planning, and make sure our homes and public spaces remain safe for everyone.


Week Three: "Prepared to Protect"  (May 18-24)

Prepared to Protect

Kitsap County faces real risks—from earthquakes and winter storms to flooding and wildfire conditions. Building Safety Month’s Week 3 theme highlights how strong buildings and good preparedness help protect people, homes, and neighborhoods when disaster strikes.

Plan Ahead
Knowing your risks, making a household plan, and keeping an emergency kit ready are simple steps that make a big difference. Know how to shut off your utilities, choose a safe meeting place, and map backup routes in case roads are blocked.

Build for Resilience
Modern building codes and smart retrofits help homes and businesses handle local hazards. In Kitsap, that can mean seismic strengthening, improving drainage on your property, using fire‑resistant materials, or elevating utilities in flood‑prone areas. These upgrades reduce damage and help communities recover faster.

Small Steps, Safer Community
Preparing your home before storm season, maintaining clear gutters and waterways, and keeping defensible space around your property all improve safety—not just for your household, but for the whole community.

Week Four"Communities Without Limits" (May 25-31)

Communities Without Limits

A truly safe Kitsap County is one where everyone—regardless of age, ability, or circumstance—can move through homes, businesses, and public spaces with ease. Week 4 of Building Safety Month focuses on accessibility as a core part of safety and community design.

Design That Works for Everyone
When spaces are simple to navigate and easy to understand, they work better for all of us. That means removing physical barriers, improving wayfinding, and supporting people with mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs. Good accessible design helps children, older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone recovering from injury.

Accessibility Basics
Accessibility standards ensure homes and public spaces are usable and safe. Features like step‑free entrances, wider pathways, clear signage, grab bars, ramps, and accessible controls make everyday tasks easier and help ensure equal access to services, workplaces, and community spaces.

Safety Through Inclusion
Accessible design also strengthens emergency safety. Clear routes, reliable alarms, intuitive layouts, and accessible exits help everyone evacuate quickly in a crisis. Including people with disabilities in planning and design ensures community spaces reflect real needs and support every resident.


Get Involved!

Join us at an event. Also, follow along on our social media channels for tips on celebrating Building Safety Month along with us. #kitsapbuildingsafetymonth

Follow Along

New content drops each week on our social media!
Learn how codes protect you — and meet the people behind the work.



Events

Fee Forgiveness

If you have received a building code violation, now is the time to resolve it. 

To celebrate Building Safety Month with our customers, the Department of Community Development (DCD) will waive investigation fees for anyone who submits a permit application between May 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026.  Permit fees still apply.


Peninsula Home & Remodel Expo

May 2nd, 2026
Kitsap Fairgrounds
Bremerton, WA

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Connect & Discover Kitsap
May 5th, 2026
Kitsap County Administration Buiding
Port Orchard, WA
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Port Orchard Farmers Market

May 16th, 2026
Port Orchard Waterfront Park
Port Orchard, WA
10:00 am - 2:00 pm​