Welcome to the new Codes & Standards News—a building science journal from the Technical Services Division of the International Code Council. The new Codes & Standards News delivers a concise collection of everything you need to know: breaking code news, the latest information on standards and guidelines, and code committee updates. The Codes & Standards News is a presentation of critical code-related information that those in the construction industry must have to help protect the property, health and safety of people worldwide.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Virgin Galactic Spaceport: Plan Review
for the 21st Century
If all goes according to plan, space tourist flights will originate from a facility in the western United States—a facility that underwent an ICC Plan Review. While it may sound like a science fiction novel, it is real. Near Truth or Consequences, Spaceport America has been providing commercial launch services since 2006. A state-of-the-art launch facility is under construction and is expected to become fully operational in 2011. In December 2009, International Code Council Plan Review Services completed both building and accessibility reviews of the proposed Terminal Hangar Facility for the State of New Mexico's Construction Industries Division. It is intended to serve as a commercial terminal for the Spaceport America project—a major component of Sir Richard Branson and his Virgin Galactic's efforts to provide commercial space flight services. Click to continue.
CODE DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Poised to Be the 15th I-Code
In July 2009, the International Code Council Board approved the development of the first comprehensive swimming pool code coordinated with the current requirements found in the International Codes to meeting the requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act to upgrade pool safety. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) will be developed with the support of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) and will encompass the design, installation and inspection of aquatic facilities based on the current ANSI (APSP) standards, technology and code provisions. Click to continue.
CODE DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Code Interpretation by Code Development
The Building Code Interpretations Committee was presented with a seemingly straightforward question: "Is the covering installed on water supply and drain pipes under accessible lavatories and sinks subject to the provisions regarding insulation in Section 719.7 of the International Building Code?" The answer provided: "No. The coverings for water supply and drain pipes under accessible lavatories and sinks are not insulation." Despite re-balloting this proposed interpretation, the Committee was unable to reach the required majority of 67 percent needed to issue the interpretation. The questioner was then informed that the Committee interpretation could not be issued. Click to continue.
CODE DEVELOPMENT NEWS
The IRC Is a Comprehensive, Stand-Alone Code
A common misconception about the International Residential Code (IRC) is that it is always to be used in conjunction with other International Codes, implying that the IRC is somehow incomplete. As stated in the introduction section of the preface of the IRC, it is a comprehensive, stand-alone code that applies only to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Click to continue.
CODE DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Code Technology Committee
The Code Technology Committee (CTC) has started its work on its Board-approved Areas of Study for the upcoming 2012/2013 Cycle. The focus to date has been via CTC Study Group conference calls related to follow-up activities on Unenclosed Exits (approved Code Change E5-09/10) as well undertaking a new activity entitled "Elevator Lobbies". The CTC anticipates three meetings in 2011—the meetings have not been scheduled yet. Click here for more information.
ICC PLAN REVIEW
ICC Evaluates Plan Review Processes in Abu Dhabi
Chris Reeves, P.E., Manager of ICC Plan Review Services, was invited to visit Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to meet with the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) and evaluate the plan review process at the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western Region Municipalities. The meetings provided an opportunity to assess the extent of the technical content of the reviews currently being conducted, knowledge of the plan review staff with respect to the 2009 International Codes, and implementation issues with respect to the adoption of the 2009 I-Codes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Meetings were conducted with the building department managers at the municipalities, the plan check department managers and many of the staff plan check engineers/architects. An additional objective of the meetings was to explore the potential cooperation between the ICC Plan Review Service and the DMA.
ICC PLAN REVIEW
ICC Plan Review Service Conducts
Prototype Reviews on Request
While the International Code Council has recently published the ICG G1-2010 Guideline for Replicable Buildings, the ICC Plan Review Service has historically conducted "prototype" reviews of commercial and residential buildings on request. The premise of a "prototype" building is that it can be built in a variety of locations. Consequently, the "prototype" building is not typically reviewed with respect to site-specific requirements. Therefore, such essential items as structural design parameters (snow, wind, seismic, soils report, etc.), exterior wall provisions (fire department access, exposure, opening protectives, etc.), regional architectural considerations, and legally adopted state/local amendments must be reviewed by the local jurisdiction. Click to continue.
STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Standards Development Update
A117.1-2009: Completed and published. The book is available. The 2009 edition is referenced in the 2012 International Codes.
ICC 300: The ICC Standard Development Committee on Bleacher Safety (IS-BLE Committee) met in November to consider public and committee proposals that were submitted on the 2007 edition of the ICC 300 Standard in response to two call-for-comment periods (April 13 to May 26 and June 16 to July 15, 2010), which resulted in this first public comments draft. The 2012 edition of the standard is expected to be referenced in the 2012 I-Codes.
ICC 400: The ICC Standard Development Committee on Log Structures (IS-LOG committee) met in November 2010 to consider public and committee proposals that were submitted on the 2007 edition of the ICC 400 Standard in response to two call-for-comment periods (April 13 to May 26 and June 16 to July 15, 2010), which resulted in this first public comments draft. The 2012 edition of the standard is expected to be referenced in the 2012 I-Codes.
ICC 500: Storm Shelter Standard. A call for committee members went out this quarter. The next edition of the standard is expected to be referenced in the 2015 I-Codes.
ICC 600: Residential High Wind Standard. A call for committee members went out this quarter. The next edition of the standard is expected to be referenced in the 2015 I-Codes.
ICC 800: Irrigation Standards. On January 17, ICC closed the committee application period, and is expecting a Standard Council meeting sometime in February to review the applications and make appointment recommendations to the ICC Board.
Committee Meeting
Date and Location TBD
April 20-21, 2011
Chicago, Illinois
Development Hearings
May 16-22, 2011
Dallas, Texas
November 2-6, 2011
Phoenix, Arizona
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