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| Veterans Panel Advances Legislation on Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans The U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health gave voice vote approval to the amended Safe Housing for Homeless Veterans Act (HR 2065) that would require nonprofits and state and local governments that provide housing and services to homeless veterans and receive operating money from the Veterans Affairs Department to certify annually that they comply with relevant codes, including building codes. The bill would set a two-year grace period for current funding recipients. "The purpose of the bill is to try to make sure there's basic safety requirements in the…housing," said panel chairman Dan Benishek, R-Mich. Before approving the bill, the panel adopted by voice vote a substitute amendment by Benishek that would direct the VA to set code and inspection requirements for facilities located in places that lack relevant code requirements. Ted Poe, R-Texas, raised the question of whether the bill could be "upping the bar" for the availability of housing for homeless veterans, which he argued is already strained in his community. The Code Council previously testified before the committee in support of the legislation. "Those of us who work to achieve building safety at both the state and local level appreciate the concern that this bill has for the welfare of our veterans, who are living in housing subsidized by the Department of Veterans Affairs," ICC Board Member Robert Drexler told committee members. "The codes assure that when faced with the hazards including fire, windstorm, flooding, and normal or daily use, the building will allow for residents and users to survive, and for first responders to safely rescue building occupants, and minimize property damage." |
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| Call for Submissions — 2013 Best Practices Sessions at ICC Conference The Major Jurisdiction Committee continues to partner with the International Accreditation Service on innovative programs for consideration as national best practices. In addition to the recognition derived, you and your jurisdiction will be helping other communities throughout the nation to better and more efficiently assure a safe built environment. IAS will once again we offering the Best Practices: Lessons Learned from the Building Department Accreditation Program class at the ICC Annual Conference. This year's session is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in Atlantic City, N.J. Thank you to all those that submitted best practices for inclusion in last year's session. There is another call for submissions for the 2013 session. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Major Jurisdiction Committee Chair, Ron Lynn at RLL@clarkcountynv.gov, and again thank you for taking the time to make your submission. |
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Pool Safety Week Proclaimed in Whittier, Calif. Taking proactive measures to prevent water-related accidents or drownings, the city of Whittier, Calif., proclaimed July 28 through August 3 as Pool Safety Week. The proclamation, which was supported by the International Code Council and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, urged citizens to recognize that water safety steps should be used year-round in public and private pools, spas, indoor water parks and aquatic facilities to ensure the safety of everyone.In the United States, nearly 300 children younger than five drown in swimming pools and spas each year, and more than 5,100 in that age group go to hospital emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion injuries. The city of Whittier outreach efforts included a city council proclamation, distribution of pool safety information, a public service announcement and residential pool inspections to remind parents and families to take the steps necessary to help prevent future tragedies. Pictured displaying the Proclamation for Pool Safety Week are Lee Clifton, PMG Director for ICC Government Relations; Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development, city of Whittier; and Bob Henderson, Mayor of the City of Whittier. |
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Port Orchard, Wash., City Council Approves Amended 2012 Building Codes The Port Orchard, Wash., City County voted to amend the city's Muncipal 2012 Building Codes — but repealing portions of the state code concerning plumbing, energy and indoor air — during a June 18 work session. The building codes took effect July 1. The ordinance was revised to eliminate any changes to fence permitting and height requirements. Fences higher than 6 feet require a permit.The Washington State Building Code Council periodically adopts a revived building code. In November, the group adopted the 2012 edition of the International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Code, International Existing Building Code and 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code. Read more from the Port Orchard Independent |
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Roseville, Calif., Using Software to Process Applications,
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| Creve Coeur, Mo., City Council Passes Updated Building Code Standards Creve Coeur's City Council unanimously approved a move to adopt more recent standards under the International Building Code for residential and commercial properties, capping off a debate that had gone back and forth between city staff and area homebuilders in recent months. The vote on updating the code, as well as similar updates for commercial structures, was delayed earlier this spring as members of the Homebuilders Association argued that city staff had not given enough consideration to proposed changes, and that without changes, Creve Coeur's code would leave itself at a disadvantage when a builder had the choice of working in another community. HBA Executive Vice President Patrick Sullivan stated, "The HBA has a strong motivation to provide quality codes that are cost-effective so that solid neighborhoods are created and that home building will take into account the consumer's unique and regional interests and preferences, not just giving in to product manufacturers and suppliers who want to sell their products and services. Fortunately, many communities in the region meet with the HBA routinely and accept many of our suggested code modifications which make for better building practices for our region, which, in the end, is better and more cost-effective for the consumer." The updated standards go into effect August 1, 2013. Read more from the Creve Coeur Patch |
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| New Building Inspector Carlo Sarmiento Appointed in Derby, Conn. Certified Building Inspector Carlo Sarmiento has been appointed to serve as building inspector for the city of Derby, Conn., replacing former inspector David Kopjanski. With more than 20 years in the building industry, Sarmiento is a Derby resident who studied construction management at Central Connecticut State University. Sarmiento will serve a four-year term, as outlined in state regulations. Read more from the Valley Independent Sentinel |
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| New Home Building in Belle Plaine, Minn., Ahead of Last Year's Pace Belle Plaine Building Official Scott McCarty reported that he has three more single-family home permits currently on his desk to be processed with almost one-half of the year remaining for more to come. As it did last year, the city of Belle Plaine is waiving the building permit and plan review fees for the first 10 new homes of the year. The city council passed that incentive in order to help spur new home building in the city. New residential permit statistics again show that the Twin Cities region's residential construction market continues to strengthen. "As the year progresses, evidence continues to grow that the housing market is truly rebounding across the region," said Pamela Belz, Builders Association of the Twin Cities 2013 president and developer with Senior Housing Partners. "And growth is happening in spite of both a labor shortage and delays caused by the out-of-the-ordinary weather we've had. The long winter kept road restrictions on longer than usual, and now the rain is saturating the ground and delaying foundations from going in across the metro." Read more from the Belle Plaine Herald |
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Great Falls, Mont., Planning Chief Keeps Private Sector Life in Mind As an architectural designer in the Seattle area, Craig Raymond, the new planning and community development director for the city of Great Falls, he often had a low opinion of the construction and permitting process — it was slow, overly bureaucratic and often seemed more intent upon frustrating responsible community development than facilitating it. Now, however, he plans to keep his earlier private sector experiences in mind. As the top official in charge of permitting, code enforcement and licensing, Raymond will have a great deal of influence on current and future development within the city of Great Falls. Doubtless there will be times when a potential developer's plans conflict with building code or zoning regulations — and on those occasions he'll be obligated to reject the offending aspects of those plans. However, Raymond views his job more as one of collaboration rather than confrontation."I think people can sense if you are honestly trying to help them work through a problem, rather than just saying 'No, and have a nice day,' he said. "It's important to treat people with decency and respect, and to try and provide as good of local government service as possible." Read more from the Great Falls Tribune |
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Danbury, Conn., Building Inspector Leo Null Retires (29.5 Years Later) Danbury Building Inspector Leo Null didn't answer to voters, but answered to the state building code. When Null learned about a school operating without proper building permits and without proper exits, he ordered it closed. He ordered it closed after everybody and their uncle begged him to think about the poor parents and how they'd have to scramble to find a place for their children. He made the school meet code before he allowed it to reopen."He made the difficult decisions to protect the interests of the people and he succeeded," said Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. "He was the most technically proficient building inspector in the state. We're going to miss him." Read more from the Danbury Patch |
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Maryland State Fire Marshal William "Bill" Barnard Retires Maryland State Fire Marshal William "Bill" Barnard retired in early July and a Retirement Luncheon was held July 26. International Code Council Government Relations Director of Fire Service Activities Bruce Johnson (left) presented Barnard (right) with an ICC Certificate of Appreciation and Letter signed by Code Council CEO Dominic Sims and Board President Ronald Piester for his focus on the importance of fire prevention through model code development along with the adoption and administration of the latest codes at the state and local level.Barnard has served on the Fire Service Membership Council Governing Committee as a National Association of State Fire Marshals representative. His illustrious career leaves a legacy of passionate devotion and commitment to fire prevention and code administration. Barnard's work to include residential fire sprinkler requirements in all new homes in each Maryland County is just one example of his achievements while serving as State Fire Marshal. His leadership in messaging the relevance of current codes in ensuring the safety of first responders and the public in the built environment has been an inspiration for other fire marshals across the country. |
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The city of Roseville is using new Accela Automation software for processing applications, using a centralized database to share information across departments, which will make the process for development much more efficient, according to the city. As a result, officials in the planning department, building department, fire inspectors and code enforcement can access and approve plans more seamlessly and quickly.