by Michael O'Brian on March 17, 2009
An Open Letter to the ICC Chapter Leadership
Recently, many chapters of the International Code Council (ICC) have become concerned over the financial stability of the International Code Council. The Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) has been asking many tough questions of the ICC and included a letter to the ICC in the previous weeks and there were many layoffs of ICC staff.
Many of us our supports and users of the ICC and have wondered if our economy has even struck a code organization. Has the organization taken the necessary steps to ensure its longevity in the code process? The following is a copy of a letter that was transmitted to ICC chapter presidents this week.
Dear Chapter Leadership:
Over the past few months, the ICC leadership has reported to you several times about the steps that we have taken to deal with the economic challenges that the Code Council – like businesses of every variety and in every sector of the economy – have been facing. Our goal in these communications has been, and remains, to keep our members informed in a straightforward and transparent manner.
There is a [click to continue…]
by Michael O'Brian on December 9, 2008
The International Code Council and the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are teaming up to reduce the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters. A memorandum of understanding calls for FEMA and the Code Council to support the maintenance, adoption, outreach, training and enforcement of disaster-resistant building safety codes to reduce human and economic losses resulting from natural hazards including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados and flooding.
Steve Shapiro, past president stated “Our agreement with FEMA addresses the role of First Preventers, code and fire officials who prevent harm by ensuring compliance with building safety codes before a disaster occurs,” who called for creating the Council’s Disaster Support Program. “Our members also have the experience and capability to provide help to communities during those moments when skilled extra hands are needed during response and recovery from natural disasters. Code compliance and [click to continue…]
by Michael O'Brian on September 16, 2008
The Final Action Hearings for the International Code Council begin on Wednesday September 17, 2008 in Minneapolis Minnesota. There are hundreds of code changes up for debate and approval by the governmental members. The interesting part is that the process has made the front page of many newspapers including the New York Times.
The New York Times is questioning why government agencies (GSA specifically) are questioning code changes that are based on the investigative findings born after the 9/11 tragedies. These changes are not making airplane resistant buildings, but making the super tall buildings safer for occupants to egress during an emergency.
So why are code changes now making the buzz on covers of the New York Times and why is Hillary Clinton commenting on the ICC Changes as well?
I would like to hope that the code changes are become more important to our [click to continue…]
by Michael O'Brian on March 7, 2008
Understanding height and area calculations is necessary for proper administration of the building code. These tables are the basis of how big and tall a building can be. The tables are found in chapter 5 of the International Building Code (IBC).
Some definitions to consider (found in section 502 of the IBC):
Area, Building. The are included within surrounding exterior walls (or exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive of vent shafts and courts. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be including in the building area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.
Height, Building. The vertical distance from the grade plan to the average height of the highest roof surface.
Height, Story. The vertical distance from top to top of two successive finished floor surfaces; and for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.
Mezzanine. An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with section 505.
The basics of height and area are found in the IBC, Table 503. The table requires that 
the building is classified based on the use group and the type of construction. If you had a restaurant/bar (A2 Occupancy) made out of unprotected wood frame (VB Construction) the maximum area of the building would be 5,500 square feet and 1 story in height.
A similar example would be what is the permissible area of a 10 story business use group building made out of Type IB construction? When referring to table 503, the table states UL and 11-stories. The UL is highlighted in a footnote on the bottom of the table and stands for unlimited area (not underwriters laboratory). Take a look at a building for an H-1 use group made of VB construction. The table indicates NP. In this table, NP stands for “Not Permitted.”
These is the basics of the height and area provisions. Now with any good code text there are exceptions to this rule. We are going to cover these in future articles. I encourage you to look through the sections on allowed increases to the table for things like open perimeter and the installation of an approved automatic sprinkler system
by Michael O'Brian on February 23, 2008
The 2008 ICC Codes Forum is rocking and rolling in Sunny (and somewhat raining) Palm Springs California. The codes forum is being cast via the web to provide access to anyone via the world wide web. If you have been on site or viewed during the web you have some some unique things happen over the first six days. There has been great code changes and some questionable ones. If you are new to code development here’s how it works:
A code change is submitted to the ICC to add, delete, change, or modify the current code. The code changes are listed in several manuals based on the document it will modify. The changes area heard via the appropriate committee based on the posted schedule. During the even two hearings are occurring at any given time.
If you tune into the hearings via the web-castyou can see several things occurring. First the proponent of the code change will testify based on the proposed changes. Others in support of the change will follow. Then those against will do the same. After a chance for rerebuttile, the committee will debate the change and recommend its final destination (approved, disapproved, or as-modified). The last action is if any member of the ICC wishes for a floor vote. At the codes forum anyone can vote that is an ICC member. The process is different at the final action hearings (we will provide details in the future).
The ICC process has been under much debate since over 2500 code changes were submitted. The process is up to 2 weeks as currently posted. With the amount of code change and discussion, the hearings have consistently ran long. I know that the ICC board is looking for ways to optimize the code development process and streamline some of its process. Regardless of what is happening, being a part of the process (live or via the web-cast) is a great way to understand the “intent” behind the code.
We have serveral links to some the hotter code changes in our discussion forum. Share your viewpoints for those who may vote in September. What can the ICC do to make the code hearings more effective and accessible to its membership?
by Michael O'Brian on February 18, 2008
The 2008 International Code Council (ICC) code forum runs from February 18, 2008 through March 1, 2008. The ICC has published a schedule of the various hearings. The hearings are broken down into two tracks which run simultaneously. The ICC provides a great service where you can watch the hearings live from your computer (equipped with an Internet connection).
The committee hearings are based on the proposed 2007/2008 code changes. The changes are broken down based on the proposed code the change will affect. Some of the codes have dual impact and may be found in one section in lieu of the proposed code. The hearings that are broadcast include many items. You will notice a moderator who runs each code change. The proposed change is assigned a number (letter abbreviation and number) which is then put for comment on the floor. Any member of the ICC can voice their comments to the committee. Once the comments are completed the moderator turns the change over to the code committee.
The code committee will then debate the issue and provide a vote. After the vote is complete the moderator will ask if the floor has any motions. The ICC members can ask for a floor vote. The floor vote does not have impact on the code change although it is reflected on the final action hearings (will take place in September 2008).
So why should you (the inspector) attend or tune into the event? This is a great chance to learn the “intent” behind the code. It provides technical justification when you look towards enforcing the future code. The process can seem overwhelming at first blush, just review the schedule and tune intothe code that you have a passion for. If you have time follow along in the proposed changes and watch the fun!
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