cdpACCESS voting opens May 14.           

Online voting through cdpACCESS, ICC's new cloud-based system for code development, will open May 14 on assembly floor motions from the 2015 Group A Committee Action Hearings. The results of the online vote will be included in the Report of the Committee Action Hearing that is scheduled to be available June 5. Successful assembly motions will result in automatic public comments to be considered at the 2015 Public Comment Hearings Sept. 30-Oct. 6 in Long Beach, Calif.

President proclaims May as National Building Safety Month.            

Saying the nation should rededicate itself to making the places we live, work and play more stable and secure, President Obama has proclaimed May 2015 as National Building Safety Month. "This month, we pay tribute to the innovative professionals who implement our safety standards, and we redouble our efforts to make our buildings as resilient as our people," the president says.

BSM week 2 theme: "Bounce Back Faster from Disaster—Build to Code".           

While natural disasters cannot be stopped, there are actions property owners can take to increase the chances of survival for their homes, businesses and communities. The theme for week two of Building Safety Month 2015, May 11-17, is "Bounce Back Faster from Disaster—Build to Code."

BSM webinars assist in building safety, fire prevention.           

ICC is offering free webinars during Building Safety Month (BSM) to assist code officials, jurisdictions and property owners in the application of building safety and fire prevention measures in their communities. On May 12, Significant Changes in ICC 500-2014 and FEMA P-361 will highlight the changes to the latest edition of the standard and examine how they will affect storm shelter design, construction and installation. On May 19, Nonpotable Water Systems in the 2015 IPC will summarize the health and safety issues addressed in the code for nonpotable water systems when installed for many indoor and outdoor applications. On May 28, Overview of the 2015 IECC Section R406 and RESNET/HERS will discuss important changes to Section R406 Energy Rating Index Compliance Alternative of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and will provide an overview of the Home Energy Rating System Program.

ICC resources support critical water issues in western states.            

ICC and its Family of Companies have several resources available to assist jurisdictions, manufacturers and the public with critical water issues in California and Washington and the western region of the United States. "The current water shortage in the western U.S. is shining the spotlight on a global crisis," said ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO.

New ICC/SRCC/APSP standard committee call.           

ICC is currently accepting applications for the Pool Solar Heating and Cooling Standard Consensus Committee. The new standard will establish minimum requirements for the performance, design and installation of solar thermal heating systems for heating water used within pools, spas, hot tubs, exercise spas, water parks, and spray grounds.

Sponsored Scholarship application period open.           

Information and applications are now available. Applicants may be children of active ICC Governmental Member employees. (The William J. Tangye scholarship is available to children of all active ICC Members.) Scholarships will be awarded by August 3, 2015.

Significant changes to the 2015 IPC.           

For enclosed parking garages, the ventilation system must operate continuously or must be automatically controlled for intermittent operation utilizing both carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide detectors. The option to detect vehicle operation or occupant presence in International Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code (PMG) section 404.1 has been deleted. (This information is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2015 International Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes.)

Home fire sprinklers update.           

Four years have passed since the Jan. 1, 2011, effective date established by the International Residential Code for newly constructed homes to have fire sprinkler systems, and while adoption of this requirement at the state and local level has trailed initial expectations, measurable progress has been and continues to be made.

Interest grows in codifying green standard for homes.           

Imagine owning a home with a sprinkler system that monitors the weather and carpets made from recycled milk jugs. Imagine having rooftop solar panels generate so much power that the utility company sends you a check. It's green living, and it's possible through the use of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) developed by ICC and the National Association of Home Builders.

What are your top three challenges in designing, permitting or constructing residential buildings?            

Are you passionate about residential construction? Do you design, permit, or build homes or apartments and have ideas on how to improve construction methods or develop innovative solutions? Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders, wants to hear about the challenges you and your colleagues are facing in your pursuit of building better homes today.

Register for the EE Global Forum.            

The eighth EE Global Forum is quickly approaching, and now is the time to confirm your plans to attend the event May 12-13 in Washington, D.C. ICC is an Endorsing Organziation of the Forum that convenes industry professionals, members of academia and policy makers looking to create partnerships, discuss the latest technology and develop "best practices" policies and strategies for global implementation of energy efficiency. Register today.

Get test-ready with new resource.           

The first book in ICC's popular Study Companion series is now available. The 2015 IRC Study Companion addresses building, mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas and electrical provisions. The book contains 630 study questions with answer key, practical learning assignments and applicable code text and commentary. A bonus 60-question online quiz is also included.

Permit techs' brush with kindness.           

Richland County, S.C., Building Department Director and ICC Board of Directors member Donny Phipps and Housing Official Kecia Lara were two of the volunteers painting porches and planting flowers for Columbia, S.C., homeowners at the recent A Brush with Kindness event. Organized by the South Carolina Permit Technicians Association and Habitat for Humanity of the Midlands, the work was performed at homes of elderly residents or those unable to safely perform property maintenance.

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