International Codes Adoption Gains Momentum
Reports from jurisdictions that have begun adopting some or all of the International Codes officially introduced last year indicate there is little difficulty or confusion over the changes. Industry observers and professionals involved in using or enforcing building codes agree that the move toward adoption of a single set of unified codes is gaining momentum. Even so, there is a great deal of work ahead to establish this body of coordinated codes for the built environment across all disciplines and geographic borders.
Complex Joint Effort
The first installment of the International Codes went into orbit in 1995, a year after formation of the International Code Council (ICC), a nonprofit group "dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national codes." In April 2000, ICC introduced a code series covering 11 special areas, from energy conservation to residential construction.
BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators), ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials), and SBCCI (Southern Building Codes Congress International)—the model code groups that compose the ICC—know their audience. The majority of jurisdictions in the United States that adopt and enforce building regulations rely on codes developed and routinely updated by one of the three code groups. As the degree of technical disparity among the three sets of model codes escalated, these groups faced the reality that having a set of codes without regional limitations was the answer.
"This joint effort to simplify and consolidate the codes really is for the betterment of the industry as a whole," says architect Bruce Kieffer, program director with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development. Working with hundreds of architects, engineers, construction managers, and building inspectors who attend the department's programs every year, Kieffer notes that, for many of them, the International Codes is the equivalent of a uniform update. These updates, however, are becoming the standard both in practice and in training, he says. "Right now, local jurisdictions are reviewing the codes and deciding to take them or leave them; but it's likely that, over the long term, every state will implement the unified code."
Industry Support Essential and Effective
A legion of different codes, code groups and local interpretation have governed construction projects in the United States for generations. The multi-year effort by the ICC to create a unified code serves as proof that change across such a broad landscape occurs only with input and backing from those most concerned with the effects of that change. State and local officials, design professionals, and the building industry as a whole got behind development of the International Codes and participated widely in drawing up the final codes. Hundreds of local and state jurisdictions have adopted or pledged to adopt some or all of the codes. Even New York and Wisconsin, two states that always operated independent of model codes from any established group, are signing on.
A broad spectrum of industry organizations and government agencies have endorsed the unified-code movement, including the American Institute of Architects, the National Association of Home Builders, Building Owners and Managers of America, American Seniors Housing Association, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The ICC recommendations were widely discussed in February at the 30th annual Code Refresher Course developed and run by University of Wisconsin professor and architect Philip Bennett. He reports that industry professionals and code enforcement officials from Wisconsin and surrounding states spoke positively about the move to adopt the International Codes.
There's no desire to turn back the clock. I sensed a strong commitment to the new codes," Bennett recalls. "The main concerns have to do with making a smooth transition into understanding the code changes, being ready for drawings to be evaluated under the new codes, and keeping the number of amendments to a minimum."
Code Adoption: A Mixed Bag of Caution and Acceptance
Some jurisdictions are taking a “wait and see” attitude, says Mike Giachetti, supervisor of the plan review department at BOCA, based in Chicago. “Before signing on, they want to see how the new codes work in practice, and what kinds of changes or modifications are made in this first round,” he says. Many cautious states or local entities would rather judge from what happens during a full three-year cycle before they adopt any or all of the ICC series, Giachetti notes.
Like Bennett, Giachetti hears only positive feedback from those already using the new codes. In plan reviews done on projects where the codes are in place, Giachetti says the value already is apparent. “I don't think the process of acceptance will take as long as some people believe,” he reasons. “The International Codes allow more to be done based on proven methods and materials. They really do reflect the most current design procedures and the best thinking from all the model code groups.”
Moves by states like Wisconsin—where serious discussions are underway about adopting a handful of the ICC codes—could help accelerate the process, Giachetti notes. For jurisdictions watching from the sidelines, alignment with the ICC standards by a state that never subscribed to any model codes sends an important signal.
According to Robert DuPont, acting deputy administrator of the Division of Safety and Buildings in the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the state has modeled its construction standards on a mix of model codes for years. Nonetheless, the ICC effort prompted a closer look at how those codes are developed. “Maintaining our own codes is arduous,” DuPont concedes. “But we think we can use our resources best in maintaining up-to-date Wisconsin versions of ICC codes and participating in the national code development process.”
After more than four years of study, research and hearings, Wisconsin is near to adopting ICC's International Building Code, Mechanical Code, Energy Conservation Code, and International Fuel Gas Code, all with Wisconsin amendments.
Acceptance of the ICC guidelines has not been universal. The influential National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) did not agree to participate in the alliance of groups cooperating in the single-code movement and continues development of its own separate model building code. Efforts early this year to get ICC and NFPA together failed. In another set-back, California's Buildings Standards Commission rejected recommendations late last year to adopt the International Building Code, generating harsh criticism from the state's building officials and industry professionals.
Judging the Benefits
An important change inherent in the International Codes is the way individual code components interact and work together to address a design issue, materials' application, or other concern. Although individual components (residential, fire, zoning, plumbing, etc.) are self-contained, this modern set of codes is a comprehensive, coordinated package. Gone is the three-inch-thick book of model codes and commentary. In its place, Bennett notes, is a well-organized set of books that can be cross-referenced easily.
Every group and jurisdiction views the benefits of the unified code approach in terms of the issues that concern them most. Bennett, Giachetti, and Kieffer agree with other industry analysts that having a single national set of requirements is a real plus and that the move to adopt International Codes provides distinct advantages. They point out that International Codes:
- Encourage design and materials' innovation, and development of new construction technologies.
- Allow testing and approval of new products by a single entity.
- Lower cost of compliance.
- Simplify code enforcement and make it more consistent.
- Reduce confusion and unpredictability over building and safety requirements.
- Give industry professionals—from architects to building inspectors—greater freedom to market and relocate their services across state and regional lines.
- Improve global competitiveness of the U. S. building industry.
- Involve a broad cross-section of design, construction, and enforcement professionals in ongoing code review and revision.
- Promote trust among home buyers and building owners that the highest standards are being used in their construction projects.
Training is Critical
Understanding the code changes and being ready for their adoption is a concern across the industry. Thus, all three model code groups are blanketing the country with workshops and seminars to help enforcement officials and industry professionals learn what they need to know. BOCA's Giachetti says he takes the opportunity with every plan review he does to educate people one-on-one about new code requirements. Enforcement experts in state and local government also have training programs for building inspectors going or in the works. Programs like the UW–Madison's annual code refresher course offer another forum where everyone faced with meeting or enforcing the new codes can update and expand their knowledge.
Many programs highlight major code changes and make code-to-code comparisons part of the curriculum. Both Giachetti and Bennett note that the new code package should not intimidate. The majority of the code is no different from the model codes people have followed for years, they say. A good introduction to new or updated standards and a lesson on how individual code segments are integrated should prepare most building professionals for working with the International Codes. Bennett further recommends an idea that larger firms have found to be effective and efficient: Assign a key person in the company the role of code resource person. That person can keep themselves up-to-date on the codes and provide expertise throughout the firm as needed.
Code Acceptance Builds
The fact that progress toward creation and acceptance of a body of unified building codes has taken the better part of a decade to achieve is no surprise. Negotiations between so many self-governing interest groups on a topic fundamental to their craft and trade cannot be completed overnight. ICC code development hearings are continuing. Individual jurisdictions are doing their own reviews. Professionals in all areas are getting trained in use of the codes. Rough roads remain to be smoothed. But for many architects, engineers, and construction managers, it appears the cost savings and creative possibilities are coming into view.
Learn more about code-related courses sponsored by the Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Visit Courses or call 800-462-0876.
Written by Mary Maher
This article is based upon work supported by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development. It is for general information and distribution. It is not intended to provide specific solutions or advice for specific circumstances, which should be sought from appropriate professionals.