Log In to cdpACCESS; Deadline for
Group C Proposed Changes is Jan. 10
Group C code change proposals are due in less than one month, so check out cdpACCESS to familiarize yourself with the new, cloud-based tool built exclusively for ICC's code development process. You can now log in, create a code change, invite colleagues to collaborate and submit your proposal to ICC, all through cdpACCESS. Continue reading story

ICC Board Approves New Code of Ethics
The updated code of ethics ensures that ICC Members continue to act with high integrity and that the association's code development process is conducted with no vested interests beyond public safety. With the launch of cdpACCESS, which includes online components to the code development process, the Board's action emphasizes that ICC voting Members will continue to act with professional integrity, competency and conduct. Read the new policy


STANDARDS UPDATE



The storm shelter standard, ICC 500, provides design and construction requirements for “safe rooms” offering refuge from high winds and debris generated by hurricanes or tornadoes. Two significant code changes, G94-12 and G95-12, will result in storm shelters being required in some buildings located in areas where tornado design wind speeds are 250 mph, This is basically the Midwest area of the United States, otherwise known as “tornado alley," and includes all of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Ohio, and parts of 14 bordering states. Continue reading story

STAFF UPDATE

Hunter Joins Technical
Services Division
David Hunter has joined the Code Council as Director of Sales for Technical Services. David's primary duties will include promoting ICC's Plan Review Services as the Code Council works with Avolve Software to develop a cloud-based technology platform for digital plan reviews.

"Our goal is to further enhance the services that are provided to both our Member jurisdictions as well as design firms," Hunter said. "Working with Avolve, these new electronic capabilities will be another tool to make the plan review process easier and more accessible."

For more information on ICC's Plan Review Services, you can email David or call him at 888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 5577.

Join us in Memphis for ICC's 2014 Group C Committee Action Hearings, April 27-May 4. Hearings attendees will experience cdpACCESS in action, and have the opportunity to help ensure the 2015 International Green Construction Code achieves the best in energy, water and cost efficiencies from sustainable construction. Register now.

FEMA recommends I-Codes for National Flood Insurance Program. The report to Congress says model building codes, such as the I-Codes, have flood provisions that are consistent with NFIP requirements for buildings and structures, and are effective in reducing flood-related damage because of the specific mitigation provisions required for compliance.

ICC A117.1 Public Comment Report available on Dec. 20. The first Public Review Draft of proposed changes to the ICC A117.1-2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standard is available for public comment through Dec. 9. Comments received will be assembled into the Public Comment Report that will serve as the basis for the next ICC A117.1 Committee meeting Jan. 21-24 in Washington, D.C. If you wish to be placed on the "interested party" list for the development of this standard, please contact Kermit Robinson.

Next meeting of ICC Consensus Committee on Residential High Wind Construction (IS-RHW) scheduled for Dec. 19. The purpose for this teleconference is for the IS-RHW Committee to consider public comments on the second Public Comments Draft for the development of ICC 600-2013. Read the meeting notice.

Second meeting of ICC Solar Thermal Standard Consensus Committee scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 11. This teleconference also will offer a webinar so attendees can follow the document being discussed online and in real time. Read the meeting notice.

NIST: Stronger building codes could have saved lives in Joplin, Mo., tornado. Recommendations in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Technical Report of the 2011 Tornado in Joplin, Mo., include: model building codes for new buildings require tornado shelters in accordance with the ICC 500 standard; model building codes develop and adopt a tornado shelter standard specific for existing buildings; and tornado shelters be installed in new and existing multi–family residential buildings, mercantile buildings, schools and buildings in tornado hazard areas.

Code Council teams up with NAHB and NKBA for "Design and Construction Week." The Code Council is a supporting organization of the first ever "Design and Construction Week," Feb. 4-6 in Las Vegas. Created by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) to improve industry professionalism through education, networking and product knowledge, the event promises to be the largest-ever residential construction expo in the nation in 2014.