ICC, Fiatech Venture Takes Code Compliance into Digital Age

Automated code checking accelerates plan reviews, provides consistent results.

Using computer technology for plan review, the plan approval process and code checking streamlines building department operations and can be a boon for local economies. The Code Council and Fiatech have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that supports a shared vision to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of building design, construction and code compliance through the use of advanced technologies and practices represented by the Fiatech AutoCodes Project. AutoCodes—automatic code checking—is a significant development that moves regulatory compliance into the digital age on par with modern commercial design and construction industry practices.

"Automated code checking helps plan reviewers focus on the core tasks of code compliance and speeds up the permitting process," said ICC Board President Ronald Piester, AIA. "This innovative technology will provide comprehensive and consistent results from project to project across jurisdictions and allow code officials to dedicate more time to safety issues, inspections and other important duties."

Pictured at the MOU signing are Code Council Board President Ron Piester (left) and Fiatech Director Ray Topping. Continue reading story

Honorary Member — Call for Nominations

The ICC Board of Directors is requesting nominations for 2013 Honorary Members. An Honorary Member is a person who has rendered outstanding service to the ICC. The Honorary Member Committee will consider submitted nominations when compiling its list of candidates.

The Board of Directors will present its list of potential Honorary Members for approval by Governmental Member Voting Representatives in attendance at the Annual Business Meeting.

Nominations may be sent to Jennifer Pochran, 900 Montclair Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35213-1206. Email: jpochran@iccsafe.org. Fax: 205-599-9893.

Each nomination should include the nominee’s name, contact information, and a brief explanation of why the nominee should be considered for honorary membership. The name and contact information of the person or organization submitting the nomination should also be included.

Nominations will be accepted through close of business Monday, July 1, 2013.

Majority of Survey Respondents Say Residential Codes
Should Be Taught within Degree Programs

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) teamed up with Clemson University to evaluate whether or not residential building codes are taught in post-secondary education settings. The survey included university administrators, professors, graduate students and industry professionals such as building code officials, engineers and architects to:

• Identify barriers that keep colleges and universities from teaching residential building codes
• Assess if there is a need to teach residential building codes at the college or university level
• Identify benefits that would motivate universities and colleges to develop courses on residential building codes
• Identify methods that will assist universities and colleges in the development of courses on residential building codes
• Identify useful themes that residential building code courses should contain

The survey revealed that the International Residential Code is not included in most construction programs and that most industry professionals learn residential codes "on-the-job". That said, more than 90% of those surveyed agreed that residential codes should be taught within degree programs prior to industry experience. Click here to read the full report and recommendations.

New Coastal Flood Risk Web Pages and Email List Released

The FEMA Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration (FIMA), Risk Analysis Branch released new Coastal Flood Risk web pages on FEMA.gov and unveiled a new Coastal email list. As a result of FEMA Headquarters' collaboration with Federal Coastal Partner Agencies, FEMA Regions, and contractors, the Coastal Flood Risk web pages:

• Provide information about current and ongoing FEMA coastal flood mapping projects;
• Explain the Coastal Flood Risk Study Process;
• Feature a Coastal Frequently Asked Questions;
• Offer guidance on Rebuilding After a Coastal Storm; and
• Include almost 200 Coastal Flood Risk Resources organized by Hurricane Sandy Webpages/Resources, Brochures/Fact Sheets, Data, Guidance (Technical & Non-Technical), Toolkits, Videos, Websites

To meet the needs of the wide variety of citizens concerned with coastal flood hazards, tailored webpages were also developed for the following stakeholders:

• Homeowners, Renters, Business Owners and General Public
• Community Officials
• Real Estate, Insurance, and Lending Industry Professionals
• Cooperating Technical Partners, Engineers, Surveyors, and Contractors
• Home Builders, Developers, and Construction Professionals

In addition, webpages have been developed for stakeholders on the Atlantic, Pacific, Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico coastlines. Each webpage features locally specific information about potential coastal hazards and links to FEMA Regional websites for more details.

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.

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Look to ICC-ES Evaluation Reports for Code Compliance and Innovation

ICC-ES evaluation reports are the leading building industry resource to verify that innovative building products, systems and materials are up to code. Having completed evaluations of building products, components, methods, and materials for more than 80 years, ICC-ES has a proven track record of excellence in product evaluations. View recently published ICC-ES evaluation reports here.

Webcast Available for IAS Accreditation Committee
Meeting Scheduled for June 7 in Los Angeles

The International Accreditation Service (IAS) Accreditation Committee meeting scheduled for June 7 at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles will be webcast to allow viewing worldwide. The meetings offer opportunities for stakeholders, accredited organizations, building officials and other interested parties to provide input on IAS' accreditation programs. The Accreditation Committee meets annually or more often as the need arises, in open, public hearings to consider new criteria and proposed revisions to IAS accreditation criteria. All proposed criteria are posted to the IAS website approximately 60 days before Committee meetings. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments by the designated due date and to make oral presentations during the meeting. For more information, please contact IAS at (562) 364-8201 or visit the IAS website.