Code change proposal submittals open for the 2024 IECC, IRC
The International Code Council is currently accepting code change proposals for the development of its 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code (IRC). As established through the Code Council’s recently released energy efficiency framework, the 2024 IECC and Chapter 11 of the IRC will be updated using the Code Council’s American National Standards Institute approved standards process. Learn more
Three new fire prevention resources raise safety awareness
As the pace of wildfire season increases throughout the United States, the Code Council is emphasizing the importance of fire safety through three newly released fire prevention titles: 2021 IWUIC® Code and Commentary; Significant Changes to the International Fire Code, 2021 Edition; and the 2019 California Fire Code Amendments Handbook. Each addresses a critical component of wildfire and fire safety and prevention. Read more
The United States Congress recently recognized the benefits of disaster resilience through the adoption and enforcement of strong building codes. During the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery hearing — Examining Climate Change: A Threat to the Homeland — experts discussed effective mitigation measures that the U.S. can take to decrease the impact of climate change, disaster costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Read more
The Code Council is currently accepting applications for the Remote Virtual Inspection for Energy and Water Performance in Buildings Standards Committee (ERVI). As an ANSI-accredited standards developing organization the Code Council and RESNET have joined together to develop a new standard that will provide guidance for implementing remote virtual inspection for energy code compliance and for building water and energy efficiency performance. It will provide criteria for virtual code inspections conducted by performance raters for checking all aspects of permitted construction for compliance with energy codes and other energy-related applicable laws and regulations. The deadline to submit applications is August 17, 2021. Apply now
Significant changes to the 2021 IBC
A modification to Section 704.6.1 (Secondary Attachments and Fireproofing) of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) states that guidance has been provided to ensure continuity of fire-resistive protection where secondary steel attaches to either primary or secondary fire-resistance-rated structural members. Learn more
Wood is good… but strange
Achieving optimal building performance requires choosing building materials and understanding their characteristics. Building scientist Joe Lstiburek examines the unique characteristics of wood and what designers and building safety professionals need to think about to use it effectively. Despite its quirks, wood is the material of choice when it comes to building houses and it has made significant inroads in commercial construction. With increased concern with truss uplift and its connection to increased attic insulation in the energy codes — and as prescriptive insulation requirements continue to advance — considerations may have to be made in the design and construction of the building envelope to accommodate these provisions. Read more
BOASC presidency re-inspired Patrick Brown on mitigation
Patrick Brown, building code administrator for the town of Edisto Beach, S.C., admits that the past three years serving as president of the Building Officials Association of South Carolina (BOASC) has been very busy. “There was always some legislation that required us to be in Columbia... but I learned a lot more about how ICC works and gained a lot of experience on how to use its services to help more people and represent the organization.” And as chapter chair of the South Carolina Association for Hazard Mitigation, the first hazard mitigation chapter the Code Council board has approved, Brown hopes that other hazard mitigation groups nationwide will be inspired to reap the many benefits of Code Council chapter designation. Read more
Meet Code Council member Matt Hulcher Regional Practice Leader, KCI Technologies, Fulton, Maryland
"While the individuals have varied, they have been a constant throughout my career," said Hulcher on the role that mentors and advisors have played in his career. "They have taught me concepts, guided me through difficult situations, and provided input for decisions. Having input from individuals different from yourself is key to making well-informed decisions." Meet Matt
Masters of code: Greg Armstrong achieves top code certification
In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Code Council member Greg Armstrong, building official in Oklahoma, to share his experience on obtaining the elite Master Code Professional designation, highlights of his professional career, and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry. Meet Greg
Proposed committee interpretation for review, comment
A proposed committee interpretation to Section 1010.1.10 (Panic and fire exit hardware) of the 2018 International Building Code was posted for review and comment by Code Council membership on June 30, 2021. The review and comment period will end on July 30, 2021. View interpretation
NIST turns to technology in its technical investigation
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officials are on the ground in Surfside, Fla., conducting a comprehensive technical investigation — using lidars, drones, 3D scanners and other technology — to determine what caused the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South on June 24. Read more
Calling all code professionals: NIST needs help in its investigation into the collapse of the Champlain Towers South. "The ultimate goal of the NIST investigation is to determine the technical cause of the collapse and, if indicated, to recommend changes to building codes, standards and practices, or other appropriate actions to improve the structural safety of buildings." If you have any information, photos or video, please send them in via the NIST Data Portal.
Miami unveils 40-year mitigation plan to combat sea-level rise
Earlier this month, the city of Miami released a draft version of its comprehensive plan to combat the effects of climate change. The so-called Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP) will be implemented to alleviate the threat of flooding throughout the city, improve the quality of water in Biscayne Bay, and fortify its coastline against stronger and more frequent storm surges over the next 40 years, at an overall cost estimate of $3.8 billion. Read more
What is a cob house? Definition and building process
Cob houses are fairly simple to construct and boast a variety of environmental benefits. Just recently, cob construction was approved for inclusion in an International Code as Appendix U in the 2021 International Residential Code. Discover more
New report looks at fire deaths in residential buildings
Fires can occur anywhere but fires that affect our homes are often the most tragic and the most preventable. Annually, an estimated 2,770 civilian fire fatalities resulted from fatal fires in residential buildings. The latest report in the U.S. Fire Administration's Topical Fire Report Series describes the characteristics of civilian fire fatalities in residential buildings reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System for 2017 2019. The most alarming statistic: At the time of their deaths, 37 percent of fire victims in residential buildings were trying to escape. Learn more
Competition introduces students to construction careers
Since many jurisdictions had to use some level of virtual inspection during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Code Council, its subsidiary ICC Community Development Solutions, and virtual inspection software company Inspected, helped make remote virtual judging for this year's California Design Build Competition accessible to the student teams and judges. Read more
Preventing leakage, water intrusion in exposed-fastened roofs
Holes in your roof must be sealed, but externally applied caulking and sealants eventually dry out and crack, causing leakage and corrosion. Mounting solar panels involves penetrating through exposed-fastened metal roofs, so the sealants you use are critical to prevent roof leaks. Learn more
Building information modeling and virtual design help reduce project risks by improving scheduling, reducing traffic on job sites and allowing for better collaboration between subcontractors and other parties. Virtual design can also help prevent rework, reducing expenses in the process. Discover more
New carbon-based material could replace steel
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, and ETH Zürich in Switzerland completed a study into materials made from precisely patterned nanoscale structures, also known as "nanoarchitected" materials. Using nanometer-scale carbon struts, the ultra-thin, ultralight material proves highly resilient, especially when compared to steel and aluminum of comparable weights. Discover more
David Jackson, an inspector in the Building Safety Division of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, talks about the experience of enforcing International Codes on the Gila River Indian Community, and how building codes protect the best interests of communities and building owners. Watch now
Webinar covers online tool to speed solar permitting
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is hosting a July 28 webinar on how communities can use the newly launched, no-cost Solar Automated Permit Processing Platform Plus (SolarAPP+). The webinar will provide an overview of the tool, its success in reducing permitting workload, and instructions for how it can be easily deployed using existing permitting software. Joan O’Neil, ICC chief knowledge officer and board member of the SolarAPP Foundation, will be speaking on the Code Council’s role in the SolarAPP+ coalition and why the organization believes in the mission. Register now
Learn how rating systems deliver resilience
On June 16, an expert panel examined specific factors used to determine how buildings will perform during earthquakes. The Resilience Advantage webinar — Knowledge Is Power: How Ratings Systems Deliver Resilience — explored how green design and resilience together are creating a more sustainable future. As buildings are made safer by these improved design standards, property owners and communities benefit by preventing losses, preserving jobs and housing, and protecting vital services and local economies. A recording of the event is now available. Watch now
Code enforcement officer safety training starts
The first in a series of training on code enforcement officer safety will take place on July 29 and will focus on providing code enforcement and regulatory officers with the skills and knowledge to deal with situations — such as animal cruelty and dangerous animals, interaction with autistic citizens, and human trafficking — that they encounter every day. Learn more
International Code Council Board Director Stuart Tom, P.E., CBO, FIAE, attends the Annual Business Meeting of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), held June 24-26 both in-person in Los Angeles, Calif., and virtually. From left, Past President Robert Calvani, Stuart Tom, NCARB Chief Executive Officer Mike Armstrong and NCARB President Alfred Vidauuri.