ANSI re-accredits ICC
standards development.       

The International Code Council, an ANSI accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), has achieved its regular ANSI re-accreditation for its ANSI Standard Development activities of ICC Consensus Procedures. The ANSI audit covers the development of ICC standards completed since the last audit in 2009. It includes a review of all documentation related to the ICC Consensus Procedures and the ANSI Essential Requirements.

IgCC will be mandatory for all building in Baltimore.       

The Baltimore City Council has adopted the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) as an overlay to the city's building, fire and related codes. The new Baltimore Green Construction Code goes into effect April 1 and applies to all new construction and "all repairs, additions, or alterations to a structure and all changes of occupancy" with very few exceptions. There is an exemption process where the code official may, in unusual circumstances and upon a showing of good cause, grant an exemption from any specific requirement of the code.

Maryland is the first state to adopt the 2015 IECC.       

Maryland has become the first state to adopt the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential and commercial construction. While the new rule went into effect Jan. 1, counties have until July 1 to modify and adopt the code locally, but they are not allowed to adopt any weakening amendments. By July 1, it will be the statewide mandatory code.

12 accreditation criteria up for discussion at IAS hearing.       

The International Accreditation Service (IAS) will be discussing accreditation criteria at its Feb. 9 IAS Accreditation Committee Hearing in Los Angeles. The hearing is open to all interested parties, and establishes or revises accreditation criteria pertaining to IAS accreditation programs and informs the public on IAS principles and major policies. The hearing will be webcast for those who can't attend.

Former FEMA Director: Pre-storm mitigation
including building codes key to cutting damage and costs.       

R. David Paulinson blogs the new Congress has a golden opportunity to advance a national disaster strategy that will better protect the American people and save taxpayer dollars. His suggestions include without greater adoption of strong building codes, federal spending committed to disaster cleanup and relief will continue to spiral upward.

ICC Member Thomas Izbicki joins NIBS 2015 board.       

Thomas Izbicki, PE, FSFPE, operations manager in the Dallas office of Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc., joined the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) 2015 Board of Directors. A registered professional engineer in six states and FEMA-qualified as an Urban Search and Rescue Structure Specialist, he joins NIBS Board Treasurer and former ICC Board President Wally E. Bailey, NIBS Board Chairman and former ICC Board member "Tim" Ryan, and NIBS Board member and former ICC Board member Cindy Davis.

Mayfield named 2015 National
Weatherperson of the Year.       

Former National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield has been selected as the 2015 National Weatherperson of the Year. In a letter congratulating Mayfield for receiving the honor, ICC Board of Directors President Guy Tomberlin and CEO Dominic Sims recognize his longtime advocacy efforts for tougher building standards and land use rules in areas prone to disasters.

Twin Cities home builders sue state
over new building/energy codes.       

In a move that continues their fight against what they claim add unnecessary costs to new houses in a fragile construction market, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities has filed a Petition with the Minnesota Court of Appeals challenging the Department of Labor and Industry's amendments to the state's International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code.

So-Cal Fire Prevention Chapter meets at ICC Office.       

The Southern California Fire Prevention Officers Chapter met this month at ICC's Western Regional Office in Brea, Calif. The meeting was opened by Chapter President Julie Frasure. Board of Directors Member Jay Elbettar provided the group with an update on ICC's current activities.

New York associations hold joint meeting.       

Representatives from the Fire Safety Director's Association of Greater New York and the New York City Society of Fire Protection Engineers held a joint meeting this month at the FDNY Fire Museum in Manhattan. The purpose of the meeting was to bring the two associations together for networking and to receive an update from the FDNY Fire Prevention Bureau. Newly appointed Chief of Fire Prevention Ronald Spadafora reported on his plans and initiates for the future of the bureau.

NHBOA installs new officers and directors for 2015.       

ICC Government Relations Regional Manager Bill Nash was on hand to install the 2015 officers and directors for the New Hampshire Building Officials Association (NHBOA). Outgoing Chapter President Wayne Richardson received a Past President's Pin.

FCBOA elects new officers, presents awards.       

The Five County Building Officials Association (FCBOA) Chapter in Ohio installed new offices and presented several awards during its January meeting. ICC Board of Directors Member William J. Bechtold was on hand to swear in the new officers, and outgoing Chapter President Timothy Payne honored several Members for their service.

ICC introduces new book series
focused on code essentials.       

Fire Code Essentials and Energy Code Essentials use a straightforward approach and non-code language to help both new and experienced code users understand the updated requirements. The books contain detailed color illustrations and references to corresponding code sections. ICC seminars based on the books are also available.

8 things home contractors don't want to hear.       

Stephen Fanuka, star of Million Dollar Contractor, has seen a lot in his 22 years as a general contractor. With all the home renovation how-to videos and shows available, it's easy for even the most crafty DIY homeowners to assume that they understand the work involved. Even with high-profile clients, he hears many of the same ill-advised comments as everyone else in his line of work, and recommends that when it's time to call in the pros, homeowners should think carefully before they speak to avoid incurring additional costs or creating major headaches down the road.

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