ICC Disaster Response Network supports communities damaged by natural disasters.

Anticipating the needs of jurisdictions in Oklahoma and Texas for assistance in the aftermath of flooding, the Disaster Response Network is active. Jurisdictions can access a database of volunteers to assist with building damage assessment, inspections and other code-related functions or call the Disaster Support Hotline at 888-ICC-SAFE (888-422-7233), ext. 5238.

Online voting closes tonight; submit public comments through cdpACCESS.           

cdpACCESS online voting on assembly motions from the 2015 Group A Committee Action Hearings closes tonight (May 28) at 11:59 p.m. PST. ICC Members are encouraged to review errata that has been identified and corrected in the system to determine if the new information impacts their vote. Any vote can be changed at any time prior to the voting period closing tonight. The final assembly actions will be included in the Report of Committee Action Hearing that will be posted June 5.

Public comments opened on May 22 and are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. PST on July 17. Public comments must be submitted through cdpACCESS. Instructions are posted on the cdpACCESS timeline.

Jurisdictions spread the word about building safety.           

From Cheyenne, Wyo., to Tamarac, Fla., jurisdictions across the United States have submitted proclamations recognizing Building Safety Month 2015. In addition to President Obama's national proclamation and Congressional recognition from Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont, ICC to date has received proclamations from 56 jurisdictions, 26 states and 74 Chapters. Send us yours today.

Phoenix celebrates Building Safety Month.           

The Phoenix, Ariz., Planning & Development Department has presented a Building Safety Month display this month in city hall. The display contains emergency preparedness handouts, information on Building Safety Month and this year's weekly themes, plus special panels on historic preservation, fire safety, and residential energy efficiency.

Significant changes to the 2015 IRC.           

The maximum height for accessory structures in Sections R101.2, R202 of the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) has increased from two to three stories above grade plane. Technical requirements have been removed from the definition, and accessory structures are now permitted to be unlimited in area. (This information is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2015 International Residential Code.)

Colloquium describes key outcomes in earthquake hazards program.           

Earlier this year, the National Institute of Building Sciences Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) hosted the BSSC Colloquium to describe key outcomes, major updates and future research needs from the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) 2015 Provisions update process. The presentations from the event, "Seismic Design Technology for New Buildings — the 2015 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures (FEMA P-1050)," are available for download.

Tool calculates building energy code data.           

The Alliance to Save Energy and the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition released a calculator that state air quality offices can use to estimate the carbon emission savings from adoption and enforcement of the 2012 and 2015 editions of the International Energy Conservation Code. The calculator can arm state air quality agencies with the data they need for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan that was announced last June.

Call for ICC/SRCC/APSP standard committee members closes tomorrow.           

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.

Upcoming Code Action Committee meetings.           

The Sustainability, Energy & High Performance Building Code Action Committee (SEHPCAC) will meet July 9-10 at the Four Points Sheraton Chicago O'Hare. Read the SEHPCAC meeting notice and agenda. The Building Code Action Committee (BCAC) and Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC) will jointly meet July 14-15 at the Four Points Sheraton Chicago O'Hare. Read the BACA/FCAC meeting notice and agenda.

Register now for 2015 Conference.           

Register now for ICC's 2015 Annual Conference and Group A Public Comment Hearings, Sept. 27-Oct. 7, in Long Beach, Calif. "Leading the Next Generation of Building Safety Professionals" is the theme for this year's conference that will include networking opportunities, special events, training and the new Building Safety & Design Expo.

Deadline near to apply for PDC.           

ICC is issuing a call for new members of the Professional Development Council (PDC). If you are interested in having a say in the governance of the ICC National Certification exams and/or the ICC Education program, now is the time to apply. The application closing date is June 1.

32 fire code training courses offered.           

Protect your community from fire code violations with training from ICC's Preferred Provider Program. Courses are available in person on topics, including fire sprinkler systems, fire protection inspections systems, fire service mains and more. Browse more than 32 fire code training courses and filter by location.

Updated IBC Handbook available.           

The 2015 IBC Illustrated Handbook is now available for preorder and scheduled to ship by August. This generously illustrated, comprehensive guide to the 2015 IBC technical requirements has been updated by code experts Douglas Thornburg and John Henry. More than 500 full-color illustrations will help IBC users save time and achieve full compliance with every aspect of the code.

Below-average 2015 hurricane season predicted.           

Colorado State University (CSU) researchers are predicting a well below-average hurricane season for the Atlantic basin in 2015, citing the likely development of a moderate to strong El Nino event as well as anomalous cooling of the tropical and sub-tropical Atlantic. The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project team is calling for seven named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with three becoming hurricanes and one to reach major hurricane strength (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

NCARB tackles "intern" title debate.           

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) will embark on a new initiative to sunset the usage of the term "intern" as a way to describe those who are working to become architects versus those who are already licensed architects. The announcement was made during the American Institute of Architects' 2015 National Convention and Design Exposition in Atlanta.

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