2015 BSM: "Resilient Communities
Start with Building Codes."       

In May, jurisdictions will mark the 35th annual celebration of Building Safety Month. Building safety professionals will host community events to demonstrate the correct way to build to code, or the importance of building permits and inspections, or similar themes that demonstrate the benefits of code compliance. "We encourage your participation in Building Safety Month and appreciate the support from corporate sponsors," said ICC Board President Guy Tomberlin, CBO. Read more

March 20 is the deadline for memberships, voter validation.       

Jurisdictions must be an ICC Member by March 20 to be eligible to vote during the Group A Code Development Cycle, and Primary Representatives must validate Governmental Member Voting Representatives (GMVRs) by that date to be eligible to participate in the Online Assembly Floor Motion vote that will follow the Committee Action Hearings April 19-30 in Memphis, Tenn. GMVRs must be validated by Aug. 31 to participate in the Public Comment Hearings Sept. 30-Oct. 7 in Long Beach, Calif., and vote at this year's Annual Business Meeting and the Online Governmental Consensus Vote. GMVRs must be validated by their Primary Representative each calendar year at www.iccsafe.org/EVDS.

Significant changes to the 2015 IRC.       

A clarification has been made to Sections R310.5 and R310.6 of the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC). The basement of a dwelling addition does not require an emergency escape and rescue opening if there is access to a basement that does have an emergency escape and rescue opening. Remodeling of an existing basement does not trigger the emergency escape and rescue opening requirements unless a new bedroom is created. (This information is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2015 International Residential Code.)

ICC A117.1 Consensus Committee considers public comments.       

The ICC (ASC A117.1) Consensus Committee on Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities held its fourth meeting this month on the development of the 2015 edition of the ICC A117.1 standard. The purpose of the meeting was for committee members to consider public comments submitted to the second review draft dated Nov. 7. If you wish to be placed on the "interested party" list for the development of this standard, please contact ICC staff secretariat Kermit Robinson.

IS-RCSDI Committee continues
development of rainwater harvesting standard.       

Last week, the ICC/CSA Rainwater Collection System Design and Installation Consensus Committee (IS-RCSDI) held its sixth meeting for the committee to continue the development of the of the draft BSR/CSA/ICC 805-201x, Standard for Rainwater Harvesting System Design and Installation. The standard will apply to the design, installation and maintenance of rainwater collection systems intended to collect, store, treat, distribute, and utilize rainwater for potable and non-potable applications.

National observance focuses on "Engineering New Horizons."       

National Engineers Week, celebrated Feb. 22-28, is a time to celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world, increase public dialogue about the need for engineers, and bring engineering to life for kids, educators and parents. The theme for this year's celebration is "Engineering New Horizons." Read more

ICC-ES Connect+ Customer Care
Service sets industry gold standard.       

Last year, ICC-ES launched its enhanced, best-in-class customer care service under the new Connect+ Customer Care Service. The service is available to manufacturers who apply to the ICC Evaluation Service for an evaluation report (ESR) or listing. The program offers a dedicated service team committed to customer satisfaction that provides answers to applicants' questions. This valuable service has been well received by new and existing ICC-ES report holders. "Based on customer feedback, ICC-ES implemented this new program to simplify the application process," said ICC-ES President, Shahin Moinian, P.E. "We're listening to our clients and constantly improving our processes to meet their needs."

"Champion" of bringing I-Codes
to New York City passes away.       

In the months following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, New York City officials believed it was time to review building codes that had not been updated in 33 years. All parties agreed it was time for updated codes. But after a panel commissioned by Mayor Michael Bloomberg recommended the relatively new International Codes in 2003, ICC supporters had a fight on their hands from groups who favored adopting other codes. Clearly, a strong leader would be needed to keep the subsequent city hearings focused amid the heated rhetoric from both sides of the issue. And that came in the form of Madeline Provenzano, a tiny but passionate city representative from the Bronx who was in charge of the powerful Housing and Building Committee. Read more

Register early for EduCode 2015 and save.       

Attendees can save up to $200 when they register by Feb. 20 for EduCode 2015, a must-attend opportunity for anyone who is seeking building safety, construction and code training. The event, scheduled for March 9-13 at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, offers more than 80 training sessions, two opportunities to sit for ICC Certification exams, and the chance to earn up to four CEUs (all ICC Preferred Providers accepted). EduCode 2015 features specialized classes that are essential for earning and maintaining certifications and other credentials. Register today

NY bill would force banks to maintain "zombie" homes.       

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman plans to introduce the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act this session that would force banks and other mortgage lenders to maintain vacant properties abandoned by homeowners (also known as "zombie properties") while they are in foreclosure. The banks would face fines for noncompliance. The proposed bill would also create a registry of these vacant properties to help municipalities enforce local laws regarding property maintenance. Any fines imposed under the law would go into a fund to help municipalities hire more code-enforcement officers.

Hey, California: Oklahoma had 3x as many earthquakes in 2014.       

Earthquakes are synonymous with California to most Americans, but West Coasters might be surprised to learn they're far from the new center of the seismic landscape in the United States. Oklahoma recorded more than three times as many earthquakes as California in 2014 and remains well ahead in 2015. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that Oklahoma had 562 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater in 2014; California had 180. As of Jan. 31, Oklahoma recorded 76 earthquakes of that magnitude, compared with California's 10. Read more

ICC, Chapters participate in inaugural
run/walk benefiting Burn Institute.       

ICC Government Relations Regional Manager Lee Clifton, his grandson Brady and pet Lady Brandy joined the California Fire Chiefs Association, the San Diego Fire Prevention Officers and several other agencies to support the inaugural Burn Run 5K Run/Walk to benefit the California Burn Institute. The event was held during Burn Awareness Week and raised funds to educate the public on scald injury prevention. In addition to the run/walk, there were fire engines on display, a demolition derby car, special guests and a fire and safety expo.

Town Hall meeting focuses on code
officials, industry working together.       

ICC's Dorothy Harris served as the moderator for a recent Town Hall Meeting in Taunton, Mass., that brought together code officials and industry representatives to examine ways to work together to enhance building and fire safety in the New England region. The event was hosted by the Massachusetts Regional Building Official Associations.

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