Washington · Building types
Churches and private schools
Last updated · Checked against primary sources
Short answer
Do churches and private schools have to comply with Tier 2?
Generally yes. Tier 2 covers buildings with more than 20,000 and up to 50,000 gross sq ft of nonresidential space, and none of Commerce's exemption categories is specific to religious or school buildings. Some qualify for a listed exemption, such as mostly unconditioned space, which must be filed by about January 1, 2027. Compliance is due July 1, 2027.
Key factsChecked November 11, 2026
- Coverage
- Nonresidential over 20,000 and up to 50,000 sq ft RCW 19.27A.200
- Exemption deadline
- About January 1, 2027 Commerce Tier 2 page
- Exemption threshold
- Conditions affecting over 50% of floor area CBPS 028
- Enhanced state help
- Houses of worship named in law RCW 19.27A.250
- BEACON fellows
- Services on hold Commerce BEACON page
Exemptions that sometimes fit
| Situation | Exemption category | Commerce guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary or gym heated only part-time, or largely unheated | Unconditioned and semi-heated space, if over 50% of floor area | CBPS 021-C |
| Building closed or mostly unused | No physical occupancy | CBPS 021-B |
| Building to be torn down | Pending demolition | CBPS 021-F |
| Serious financial difficulty | Financial hardship | CBPS 021-G and the CBPS 009 tool |
Exemptions are decided building by building, last one compliance cycle, and do not earn the incentive.
The incentive
A compliant building with a participating utility may qualify for the base Early Adopter Incentive of $0.30 per eligible sq ft. It is paid from limited funds, first-come, first-served, so it is not certain. Exemptions and extensions don't earn it. Early Adopter Incentive.
Help aimed at congregations
State law directs Commerce's support program to give enhanced help to houses of worship, along with multifamily and child-care buildings (RCW 19.27A.250). Commerce's BEACON fellowship services were on hold when we checked November 11, 2026.
For dioceses, synods, conferences and school associations
Send a building list with addresses and approximate floor area. We'll tell you which look covered and which might qualify for an exemption, at no charge, then quote each building. Members who engage us through an association receive an invoice credit. Request a quote.
Steps and figures on this page were read on the linked sources on November 11, 2026.
Clean Buildings Associates is a private company. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Washington State Department of Commerce, or any utility. Utility programs and steps change; confirm on the utility's page before you act.
Want it done for you?
Send the address and floor area. We confirm coverage, estimate the incentive and quote a flat fee per building.
Reply within 1 business day. No call required.