Sims Named Chief Executive Officer of the International Code Council
Cleveland Battalion Chief DeCrane Earns Fire & Life Safety Award
HUD Final Rule Identifies I-Codes to Assure Safe Housing in Federally Funded Program
Jones, Carroll Headlining Events at ICC Annual Conference in Atlantic City
10th Annual Bob Fowler Motorcycle Ride Ready to Rumble through New Jersey
Paper Competition Announced for U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day 2013
Global Membership Council Profile: Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz
Cities of Des Moines and Yuma Publicize 100 Percent ICC Certified Staff
ICC Certification & Testing News
 
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CBOA Holds Annual Meeting, Installs New Officers
CAHCEO Holds Annual Meeting
Georgia State Inspectors Association 49th Annual Conference and School of Instruction
ICC Exam Reimbursement Raffle
ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria Now Available in the ICC Online Store
Look to ICC-ES Evaluation Reports and PMG Listings for Compliance and Innovation
Video: How to Read ICC-ES Evaluation Reports
Visit the ICC-ES Education Page
Special Inspections Training for Building Departments Offered at ICC Annual Conference
IAS/CPSE Fire Prevention Technical Advisory Council Meets
Global Membership Council Profile: Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz
NAHB Changes Name to Home Innovation Research Laboratories
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Sims Named Chief Executive Officer of the International Code Council

The International Code Council Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Dominic Sims, CBO, has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Sims, who previously held positions as interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer, continues to serve with the full support and confidence of the ICC Board.

"Dominic's strong business acumen and commitment to accountability are complemented by a unique combination of ICC knowledge and experience, and a sincere affinity for our Members," said Ronald Piester, President of the ICC Board of Directors. "This is an historic moment for the Code Council. I call on our Members, Partners and Staff to join the Board in support of Dominic as we begin ICC's second decade. The future is bright, and our success will be ensured by moving forward together."

"The ICC is an exceptional association and I have always been proud to be a part of a group of professionals that hold public safety in such high regard," Sims said. "Code Council Members represent the highest standard of building safety and fire prevention professionals, and ICC serves as a powerful tool to help them help their communities, clients, and their careers."

"This is a pivotal time at ICC, in our industry and for many standards development organizations," Sims continued. "There is no doubt that our Members have faced significant change brought on by recent financial stress, but as economic conditions continue to improve the Code Council is in a unique position to take advantage of emerging opportunities on behalf of our Members."

"Our Members are looking to the Code Council to focus our efforts and resources to help their communities compete economically in a safe and affordable way," Sims concluded. "I look forward to working with our Board, Members, Staff and Partners to assure ICC is responsive to their needs and tomorrow's challenges. I am committed to the profession and the success of our Members and this association."

Sims will lead the Code Council and its management team in Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a past recipient of the William J. Tangye Award. Sims and his wife Barrie reside in Hoover, Ala., and have two young adult children, Todd and Jaime.
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Cleveland Battalion Chief DeCrane Earns Fire & Life Safety Award

City of Cleveland, Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Prevention Battalion Chief Sean DeCrane is the 2013 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award recipient. The award, sponsored by the International Code Council (ICC) and the Fire & Life Safety Section (FLSS) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), honors those who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and property through the development of codes, fire-prevention practices and leadership techniques. The award is presented annually during Fire-Rescue International, scheduled this year for Aug. 15 in Chicago.

Chief DeCrane represents the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in the ICC code development process and participates in the Building Officials and Fire Service Membership (FSMC) Councils, serving on the FSMC Governing Committee. He is serving as the Chair of ICC's International Fire Code Committee, which is developing the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code. He has been representing the IAFF since 2006.

He has worked on creating educational modules for the IAFF website to educate firefighters on how the code impacts firefighter safety, how to get involved in the code adoption process and why firefighters need to get involved with the code process. He has established a blog on the IAFF website on "Protecting Our Work Environment" and maintains updates based on ICC and NFPA code processes. DeCrane presents a seven-hour workshop, "Firefighter safety and the Building Codes: A necessary Partnership." Funding is through private partnerships. Continue reading story
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HUD Final Rule Identifies I-Codes to Assure
Safe Housing in Federally Funded Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued Final Rule 92.251(b)(1) that requires, upon completion, all rehabilitation work performed on projects assisted by the HOME Investment Partnerships Program must meet all state and local codes, ordinances, and requirements. In the absence of state or local building codes that address rehabilitation, the work must meet the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). In general, the IEBC provides alternative approaches to the International Building (IBC) and Residential Codes (IRC) with respect to remodeling, repair, or alteration of existing buildings, as many existing buildings cannot comply with building code requirements for new construction.

A few commenters supported the proposed requirement in 92.251(a)(v) to establish written standards for methods and materials for new construction projects. Other commenters, however, opposed the requirement to establish written standards for new construction when using HOME funds. The commenters stated that this requirement is burdensome, especially for small participating jurisdictions; will require significant resources to develop; and is not feasible for participating jurisdictions with limited capacity, housing construction expertise, and administrative budgets. For new construction building activity, several commenters argued that the development of written standards for methods and materials is unnecessary because state and local codes for new construction, as well as the IRC and IBC, provide sufficient specificity such that scopes of work can be developed using these codes.

HUD acknowledges the concern expressed by many commenters about the requirements for written standards for methods and materials. With respect to HOME-funded new construction projects, HUD agrees with the commenters that its proposal would be duplicative to require participating jurisdictions to establish written standards for methods and materials solely for new construction of HOME-assisted projects that are separate from codes already established.

A commenter recommended that the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) be used as a standard for rental activities in rural areas rather than the Uniform Physical Condition Standard (UPCS). HUD will issue guidance specifying which inspectable items and areas in UPCS must be included in these inspections. Where the 2009 IPMC has been adopted as the state or local code, participating jurisdictions would incorporate those requirements in the standards they establish to meet the requirements of 92.251(f).

A commenter suggested that the property standards language should reference the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code or NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code, and include several specific requirements to address fire safety objectives. In response, HUD referred to existing guidance from a 1994 Memorandum that requires all new multi-family housing to be equipped with hard-wired smoke alarms that meet NFPA Standard 74 and automatic sprinkler systems that meet NFPA Standard 13, 13D or 13R as appropriate.
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Jones, Carroll Headlining Events at ICC Annual Conference in Atlantic City

Dave Jones, Founder & CEO of StormCenter Communications, Inc., will serve as the guest speaker at the Members Luncheon during the Code Council's 2013 Annual Conference in Atlantic City, N.J. Jones' presentation, "Climate Change & Extreme Weather: What's Going On and How Might Building Codes Be Affected," will examine the science behind extreme weather changes through an interactive technology called the Envirocast® Vision, and why it matters to the future of code development. Veteran stand-up comedian Jimmy Carroll will serve as the guest speaker during the conference's Annual Banquet. Over the past two decades, Carroll has performed more than 300 shows in the U.S., Canada and other parts of the world. Continue reading story
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10th Annual Bob Fowler Motorcycle Ride Ready to Rumble through New Jersey

Mark your calendar for two days of fun during the 10th Annual Bob Fowler Memorial Motorcycle Ride that will precede the Code Council's 2013 Annual Conference in Atlantic City, N.J. On day one, participants will ride through the New Jersey Pine Barrens, by the cranberry bogs, and to Washington Crossing Park. Day two riders will head toward Cape May for a "lighthouse tour." Each day will include stops for some good Jersey food and produce. Weather and participation will determine the Ride route each day. Registration fees are $50 for one rider, one day; $75 for one rider, two days. A commemorative tee shirt is included in the registration fee. Forms are available for your use.
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Paper Competition Announced for U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day 2013

Papers addressing "Standards for a World at Work and Play" are due by August 3.

The 2013 World Standards Day Paper Competition has been announced by the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day Planning Committee and the paper competition's sponsor, SES — The Society for Standards Professionals.

The theme for this year's paper competition, "Standards for a World at Work and Play," reflects the many ways that standards function as tool to bolster consistency, repeatability, dependability, and excellence in a wide variety of technologies and fields. Standards are the foundation upon which developing nations build their economies and compete in the global marketplace, facilitate technological innovations, and foster evolving social and environmental compliance practices that assure the safety of workers and the health of the world and its citizens.

This year's U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day will focus on how standards bring confidence to businesses, governments, and consumers, impacting reliability from farm to table, manufacturer to retailer, and workplace to home. Continue reading release.

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Global Membership Council Profile: Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz

Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz has occupied positions both in the public and private sector in Mexico.

From 2000 through 2002, he was Sectorial Business Director of the Mexican Federal Institute for Worker's Housing (INFONAVIT) and a member of the Board of Directors of such Institute, from 1997 through 1999.

He was National Vice-President of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of Mexico (CONCAMIN) for the 1997-1999 period and the National President for the National Chamber of Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA), from 1996 through 1998. He also was CANACINTRA's Vice- President from 1994 through 1996 and President of the Coordinating Board of the Metal-Mechanic Industry from 1992 through 1994.

Gutierrez Ruiz has participated as member of the Board of Directors of Nacional Financiera, S.N.C., Development Banking Institution (Nafinsa); also of the National Bank for Foreign Trade (BANCOMEXT) and the Executive Commission of the Coordinating Board for Businesses.

He has headed several international missions in Canada, Germany, Spain, Guatemala, Japan, Nicaragua and the United States of America.

Carlos Gutierrez has obtained a certificate in "Smelting Transformation" in Detroit, Michigan, in 1990 and another one in "Small and Medium Business Transformation," in Yokohama, Japan, in 1993.

In January 2003, President Vicente Fox appointed him National Commissioner for Housing Promotion, CONAFOVI, and on June 26th, 2006, with the enactment of the new Housing law, he was appointed Director-General of such Commission, institution which became a decentralized, nonsectored agency, with legal personality and its own assets in terms of such new legislation.

In December 2006, the Mexican President ratified Mr. Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz as Director-General of the Housing National Commission Housing (CONAVI), position that he occupied until December 2008.

He is currently a member of the Governance Committee of the Global Membership Council of the International Code Council (ICC).

While in office as head of the Housing National Commission, the investment in housing development in Mexico grew at an unparalleled rate of 17 percent, in comparison with the domestic economic growth rate and almost ten years of stagnation in the sector. This development had an impact both on the industry and the financial sector and also benefited millions of Mexicans who did not own a house. Similarly, the referred development also derived in the generation of thousands of jobs for workers in the construction industry and its related fields.

He is currently the Partner/Director of EP&D Consultores (Strategy, Planning and Development), a leading company in the field of strategic planning applied to administration, politics and businesses. This firm is very dynamic derived from its main asset: a multidisciplinary, highly qualified team, with the best specialists, as well as a solid and diverse scheme of strategic alliances with companies and specialized consulting firms in several fields.

He is also the President of the Social Security Commission of the Businesses Coordinating Board, institution that represents the Mexican private sector.

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Cities of Des Moines and Yuma Publicize 100 Percent ICC Certified Staff

Departments participating in the Get Everyone Certified Challenge are being recognized for their achievements.

The city of Des Moines posted the ICC 100% Certified for Safety badge on its website to demonstrate their commitment to safety to their community. When asked about the City of Des Moines' commitment to 100 percent certification, Deputy Building Official Cody Christensen said, "Inspection and review staff are experts in their fields, and having them 100 percent certified ensures they are capable of effectively regulating a broad range of construction projects. This level of certification benefits the community by promoting high-quality development that is safe and sustainable through effective code enforcement."

The city of Yuma also values ICC certifications. In an article published recently by YumaNewsNow.com, Building Official Randy Crist said, "This ICC certification demonstrates our staff's dedication to their profession in the building safety field and their commitment to our construction community. This means our community can rest assured that they are getting the best level plan reviews and inspections."

There's still time to participate in the Get Everyone Certified Challenge and join other departments committed to building safety. Deadline to participate in the 2013 challenge is August 16.
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ICC Certification & Testing News

Does your jurisdiction/organization pay a higher salary to employees who are certified?

Did you know that 39 percent of your colleagues' juridictions pay certified employees more? According to an early 2013 ICC Member certification survey they do. Of the survey respondents whose jurisdictions paid certified employees more, 41 percent of your colleagues' jurisdictions paid more for each certification they obtained, up to 10 total. See the complete list of ICC certification exams.

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CBOA Holds Annual Meeting, Installs New Officers

The Connecticut Building Officials Association (CBOA) held its Annual Meeting June 20 in Plantsville, Conn. International Code Council Board member Robert Drexler and Senior Regional Manager Roland hall attended. Drexler updated attendees on ICC matters and swore in Chapter officers.

Pictured from left to right are ICC Board member Robert Drexler, CBOA Assistant Treasurer Brian Platz, CBOA Secretary William Bergantino, CBOA Vice President Joseph Summers, CBOA President Mary Ann Basile, and CBOA Treasurer Christopher Laux.
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CAHCEO Holds Annual Meeting

The Connecticut Association of Housing Code Enforcement Officials (CAHCEO) held its Annual Meeting June 28 in New Haven, Conn. International Code Council Board member Robert Drexler and Senior Regional Manager Roland hall attended. Drexler updated attendees on ICC activities and promoted ICC's upcoming ABM in Atlantic City, N.J.

Pictured from left to right are ICC Board member Robert Drexler, CAHCEO Past President Ronald Miller, CAHCEO President Amy Lehaney, Marjorie Beauchette from the city of Stamford (Housing Code Inspector of the Year) and Director Clarence Atkinson.
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Georgia State Inspectors Association 49th Annual Conference and School of Instruction

The Georgia State Inspectors Association (GSIA) celebrated its 49th Annual Conference and School of Instruction July 28 through August 1 2013 at Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort in St. Simons Island, Ga. Current Chapter President Lonnie Abercrombie will remain as president for the 2013-2014 year. Mike Cheeks received recognition for his service by receiving his Past Presidents Pin and Certificate for his term as President in the 2011-2012 year. Liz Dinning, who has served as Secretary/Treasurer for GSIA for over 20 years, received recognition for her faithful service to the Chapter. An ICC hard hat, autographed by the membership and friends, was presented to Ron Anderson who received the award on her behalf. Liz is in a fight with cancer and could not attend. Our prayers go out to her and her family.

Congratulations goes to Charles Kelly with the city of Camilla, a long-time member of GSIA and President for 2007-2008, who received the Building Official of the year by the Building Official Association of Georgia. Charles started with the city of Camilla on February 28, 1958, as a firefighter. After 55 years of service with the city of Camilla, Charles currently holds the title of Planning and Zoning Director.

Thomas Harper with the Planning & Community Service for Fulton County, Ga., was recognized for 40 years of service. Thomas was a delegate that represented the Southern Building Code Congress during the 1999 voting that was held in St Louis, Mo., to merge with ICC. This was all happening while Hurricane Floyd was bearing down on the Georgia Coast. He curently serves as Executive Director for GSIA. Thanks goes out to all that were able to attend the conference.
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ICC Exam Reimbursement Raffle

At its June 2013 Membership Meeting, five active New Hampshire Building Officials Association (NHBOA) members were awarded the opportunity to have expenses related to the passing of an ICC Certification Exam reimbursed as part of a new effort by the Board of Directors to assist members with professional development. Michael Hoffman, Robert Bogash, Paul D'Amore, Michael Borden and Mark Morong were the "raffle winners" and have until October 1 to complete testing.


Who Pays For Your Certification Fees?
According to an early 2013 ICC member Certification survey, 37 percent of respondents pay for their own certification exam registration fees, 57 percent of respondents' fees are paid by their employer. Exam preparation fees are typically paid by the employee: 47 percent of respondents reported paying. According to the survey, as tenure in a code-related field increases, the likelihood that employers pay 100 percent of exam preparation or registration fees decreases. Learn more about ICC's Certification program.


  100% Employer Employee & Employer 100% Employee
Exam Preparation Fees 46% 7% 47%
Exam Registration Fees 57% 6% 37%
Continuing Education/Certification Renewal Fees 58% 10% 33%
 
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ESBOF Holds June Meeting

The Eastern States Building Officials Federation (ESBOF) held its June 19 meeting at the Slngerlands Fire Department. Pictured are Chapter officers from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and New Hampshire. ESBOF President JP Langois is back center.
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Share Your Chapter News with Us

Have a recent meeting you'd like to share with your fellow Chapters? Did you start a new program, elect new officers, have a successful training session or recognize a fellow Chapter member? Let's show our Chapter pride by sharing all the great things chapters do throughout the year in the name of public safety. Send your photos, captions and Chapter news items to chapters@iccsafe.org. We'll see that they are published in an upcoming edition of ICC eNews.

Don't get eNews? You don't have to be an ICC Member to receive it. Subscribe today.

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For decades, the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) has been the industry leader in performing technical evaluations for code compliance, providing regulators and construction professionals with clear evidence that products comply with codes and standards. Having completed hundreds of evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials, ICC-ES has a proven track record of excellence in product evaluations. This record extends to reports regarding sustainability under standards such as the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and other green rating systems.
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ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria Now Available in the ICC Online Store

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) acceptance criteria (AC) are now available for purchase. In the spirit of continued transparency, ICC-ES and the International Code Council (ICC) have included all approved ICC-ES ACs in the selection of publications available in the ICC online store. This allows ICC-ES to protect its intellectual property and preserve the integrity of its AC development process, which ultimately results in maintaining the highest quality evaluation reports in the industry. Customers who purchase an AC or compendium of ACs will receive four complimentary updates if the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee, comprised of code officials from jurisdictions across the U.S., revises an AC. Pricing includes a discount for ICC Members.

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Look to ICC-ES Evaluation Reports and PMG Listings for Compliance and Innovation

ICC-ES evaluation reports and PMG listings are the leading building industry resource to verify that innovative building and plumbing products, systems and materials are compliant to the applicable codes and standards. Having completed hundreds of evaluations of building and plumbing products, components, methods, and materials, ICC-ES has a proven track record of excellence in product evaluations. View recently published ICC-ES evaluation reports and PMG listings here.

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In Other ICC-ES News
Video: How to Read ICC-ES Evaluation Reports
Visit the ICC-ES Education Page
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The International Accreditation Service (IAS) provides objective evidence that an organization operates at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. IAS is a nonprofit, public-benefit corporation that has been providing accreditation services since 1975. IAS accredits a wide range of companies and organizations, including governmental entities, commercial businesses and professional associations. IAS accreditation programs are based on recognized national and international standards that ensure domestic and/or global acceptance of its accreditations.

Special Inspections Training for Building Departments Offered at ICC Annual Conference

Building department employees will learn how to manage a special inspection program during this education session offered at the International Code Council's 2013 Annual Conference from 8:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Oct. 2 in Atlantic City, N.J. Greg Johnson, Code Consultant and former building inspector for the city of St. Paul, Minn., will present this training on behalf of the International Accreditation Service (IAS). This session provides building departments with information to set up and manage special inspection programs in their jurisdictions. The first part of the session covers the special inspection requirements in IBC Chapter 17. The second half of the session provides information about how building departments can use the IAS accreditation program to manage special inspections. This part of the presentation will cover IAS Accreditation Criteria AC 291 and the processes used to evaluate and verify the competence of special inspection agencies and to monitor their performance. The session will also share how IAS can help departments implement the program at little or no cost to their jurisdictions. A question and answer session will be offered at the end of the presentation. For more information about attending this event, click here.

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IAS/CPSE Fire Prevention Technical Advisory Council Meets

The joint International Accreditation Service (IAS)/Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Technical Advisory Council (TAC) — Fire Prevention Departments (FPD) held a webinar on May 29. This TAC was formed in 2010 and was tasked with development of the Accreditation Criteria for Fire Prevention and Life Safety Departments (AC426). The alpha client to be accredited to AC426 was the Florida Bureau of Fire Prevention; the Tinley Park, Ill., Fire Prevention Bureau was the second. The TAC provides IAS with input on fire prevention industry developments and potential FPD program enhancements. Continue reading story

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NAHB Changes Name to Home Innovation Research Laboratories

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center has operated an IAS-accredited testing laboratory and inspection agency under IAS listings TL-205 and AA-663 respectively, for several years. NAHB changed its name to Home Innovation Research Laboratories, but will maintain the same facilities and IAS accreditation listings.

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