ICC eNews

NYC Task Force Proposals to Create Safer, More Resilient NYC Buildings, Including IEBC Adoption

Fire Code Action Committees and the Fire Code Development Process

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cdpACCESS Is More Than Remote Voting

The ICC code development process (cdp) includes submissions of code changes, collaboration and participation in hearings by building and fire officials, architects, engineers, designers, builders, the public and others with an interest in building safety. All of those actions lead to a final vote. cdpACCESS is the code development process of the future. It allows you to participate in the process from your computer or tablet, even if you cannot attend in person.

NYC Task Force Proposals to Create Safer, More Resilient NYC Buildings

The New York City Building Resiliency Task Force was appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to make 33 recommendations for creating safer and more storm resistant structures. The Code Council's Dorothy Harris served as an expert on the task force that, among the proposals, recommended the adoption of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). Read a summary of the report.

Fire Code Action Committees and the Fire Code Development Process

By Kevin Quinn, First Vice Chair, National Volunteer Fire Council

Over the past couple years I have had the honor of representing the National Volunteer Fire Council on the International Code Council’s (ICC) Fire Code Action Committee. The Committee is comprised of members of national fire service organizations and is charged with making code changes that help lead to safer construction, improved fire safety, saving lives, and reduced property loss. The following article provides an overview of the Fire Code Action Committee, the positive work it is doing to improve fire and safety codes for the public and our first responders, and what you can do to make a difference.

The ICC’s Code Action Committees (CAC) are code discipline-specific committees whose purpose is to enhance the technical requirements of the International Codes. The CACs also hone the capabilities of committee members for possible appointment to code development committees. The committees pursue opportunities to improve and enhance a particular International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards.

This is accomplished by submitting proposed code changes and participating in the code development process, which consists of supporting the proposed changes submitted by the committee as well as participating in the consideration of related changes proposed by others. The Fire CAC is tasked with enhancing and improving the fire codes and related safety codes.

The most recent ICC Group B Committee Action Hearings, which includes the International Fire Code, were held in Dallas, TX, from April 21-30; click here to review the proposed changes to the codes. The 2013 Report of the Committee Action Hearing, which contains the code development committees’ recommendations and reasoning behind these recommendations for each of the proposed revisions, is now available.

The next step will be the ICC Group B Public Comment Hearings, which will be held in Atlantic City from October 2-10, following the ICC Annual Business Meeting. As a member of the fire service and a fire safety stakeholder, this is your opportunity to have a voice in the model code development process. Individual participation in the Group B Public Comment Hearing will help lead to safer construction and improved fire safety, which in turn leads to saved lives and reduced property loss.

Take this opportunity to review the documents and submit your comments. The submission deadline for the Public Comment Hearing is July 15. It is indeed a pleasure to represent the National Volunteer Fire Council on the Fire Code Action Committee. Together we will make a difference.