Proposed Changes to ICC A117.1-2009 Available for Review until Dec. 9

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 until Dec. 9. While 325 changes were submitted, only proposals approved by the ICC A117.1 Standard Committee are included in the draft. The Public Review Draft is available online at www.iccsafe.org/A117.

The ICC A117.1 Standard has improved access in the built environment since it was first developed more than 50 years ago. ICC is the leader in accessibility code compliance and guidance in the built environment, which is more important than ever with an aging population. ICC has been responsible for the Standard since 1987 at the request of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Many provisions in the 2010 ADA Standard are coordinated with the ICC A117.1 Standard. ICC A117.1 improvements over the years include clear requirements for dwelling units, restrooms, recreational facilities and signage.

The International Building Code (IBC) references the ICC A117.1 Standard and specifies the extent to which a building must be accessible. The Standard contains technical design requirements to ensure buildings are accessible. The IBC/ICC A117.1 combination is coordinated with federal regulations and applies to both new and existing buildings. ICC A117.1 is the basis of accessibility requirements at local and state levels, and a key foundation to federal regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act.

Fire Service Access Elevators Coordinate with Accessible Means of Egress

The 2009 and 2012 editions of the International Building Code include provisions for Fire Service Access Elevators (FSAE). The intent for requiring FSAE is twofold: (1) to provide for an elevator system useable for a longer period of time during a fire event; and (2) to provide for a system that would increase the comfort level of and the usability for firefighters. Since fire departments use elevators for both staging to fight fires and for assisted evacuation, the addition of these systems also are beneficial for those occupants who need assistance. Continue reading story

Group C Code Change Submittal Deadline Extended to January 10, 2014

To give its Members and all code development process participants more time to become familiar with cdpACCESS, and due to the year-end holidays, the Code Council has extended its Group C online code change submittal deadline to Jan. 10 from Jan. 6. cdpACCESS—ICC's new online component of the code development process—will be used for the entire cycle of all activities for Group C Code Development, including for the first time online voting following the Committee Action and Public Comment Hearings. Continue reading story