Pattern of IAPMO copyright violations short circuits process that promotes public safety in buildings, lawsuit asserts.

Following the discovery of a broad pattern of unauthorized copying of evaluation reports and other proprietary material that promote public safety in the built environment, ICC Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES), a subsidiary of the International Code Council (ICC), filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The lawsuit alleges that over the last several years, IAPMO has extensively and repeatedly copied ICC-ES' copyrighted evaluation reports and acceptance criteria that thousands of designers, manufacturers, and building safety and fire prevention professionals rely on to ensure the highest standards of construction safety across the United States.

Group A electronic voting process begins Jan. 18.

ICC's two-step electronic voting process, announced in November to address the 2015 Group A Public Comment Hearing voting problems with the electronic voting devices, begins Monday, Jan. 18, with online voting through cdpACCESS to sustain committee actions (or eligible public comments depending on committee actions) from the 2015 Committee Action Hearings. The voting will be open for seven days. Following the first step, the results will be audited by ICC's third-party auditors and will determine the allowable motions to be considered in step two voting, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 28. The length of time the second voting period is open will be dependent on the number of code changes to be considered. ICC is hosting webinars to assist with each phase of voting. Read more.

ICC accepting applications for Ad Hoc Committee on tall wood buildings.

The ICC Board of Directors has established an ad hoc committee to explore the building science of tall wood buildings and investigate the feasibility of and take action on developing proposed changes to the International Codes for tall wood buildings. Tall wood is a term used in the industry to identify wood construction that utilizes cross laminated timber in buildings of heights greater than six stories.

BOMA International supports adoption of the IPC.

Citing ICC's governmental consensus process and its harmonization with the other International Codes, BOMA International is urging its members to undertake an intensive effort to influence state legislatures to adopt the International Plumbing Code (IPC). BOMA, a Founding Strategic Partner of the Code Council, has strongly supported the I-Codes since their inception and feels their adoption is essential to bringing safety, consistency and affordability to the nation's building regulatory structure. Read more.

Joplin storm serves as guide for code changes.

ICC Voting Members, through the governmental consensus process used to develop the International Codes, have approved building code changes recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology after it conducted an in-depth investigation into the EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011. Enhanced protection will be required for new school buildings and additions to buildings on existing school campuses, as well as high-occupancy structures associated with schools where people regularly assemble, such as a gymnasium, theater or community center. Read more.

Congress extends Sec. 45L "Energy Efficient Homes" tax credit.

Congress, in its end-of-year fiscal year spending bill signed by President Obama just before Christmas, extended a number of tax deductions and credits that had expired at the end of calendar year 2014. Among the tax "extenders," as they are called, was Sec.45L of the tax code that provides a credit of $2,000 for builders of new homes that are "energy efficient." Read more.

New tool helps you gain greater energy efficiency in residential buildings.

As a way to analyze the energy savings capability and cost effectiveness of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the Department of Energy released its State Savings Calculator. This interactive tool allows for customized economic assumptions and other parameters (local cost adjustments, energy prices and escalation rates, inflation and taxes, loan terms, etc.) that may vary on a state-by-state basis. The Residential State Savings Calculator for the 2015 IECC can be downloaded here.

CPSC awards grants to combat pool/spa drownings and drain entrapment.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has awarded five Pool Safely grants authorized through the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and worth a combined $780,000 to jurisdictions that are committed to preventing pool and spa drownings and drain entrapments. Most notably, the District of Columbia was awarded a $170,250 grant due in part to its adoption of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Read more.

ICC-ES issues ESR-3403 to Simpson Strong-Tie for composite strengthening systems.

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) has issued ESR-3403 to composite strengthening systems, manufactured by Simpson Strong-Tie, providing evidence their fiber-reinforced polymer comply with the code requirements of the 2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 International Building Code and International Residential Code.

Significant changes to the 2015 IMC.

A modification to Section 506.3.11 (Grease Duct Enclosures) specifically prohibits the installation of fire and smoke dampers in grease ducts in the 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC).

(This information is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2015 International Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes.)

Updated illustrated guide examines the fundamentals of the 2015 IBC.

Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2015 IBC gives students and professionals in architecture, interior design, construction and engineering industries a user-friendly illustrated guide to the 2015 International Building Code (IBC). Designed to look at the origins of the IBC, how it can be interpreted, and how it applies to design and construction, this updated text offers the latest information on building materials, interior environments and structural provisions.

Medina County, Ohio, Building Department presented innovation award.

The Ohio Board of Building Standards (Board) recognized the Medina County Building Department with the 2015 David A. Smith Building Department Award for Innovation. The award is presented annually to recognize an Ohio-certified building department that has demonstrated exemplary customer service, dedication to public service, and has furthered the mission and goals of the Board. Read more.

Building official recognized for outstanding leadership and contributions.

Greer, S.C., Building Official Ruthie Helms has been honored with two awards from the Upper State Code Enforcement Association of South Carolina. She accepted both the Member of the Year Award, which is based on outstanding accomplishments and services to the association, and the M.F. "Red" Allen Educational Award, which is for outstanding leadership and contribution to the code enforcement profession, during the association's winter meeting last month. Read more.

SVABO welcomes new officers during installation dinner.

The Sacramento Valley Association of Building Officials (SVABO) held its 2015 Installation Dinner on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, at the McBean Pavilion in Lincoln, Calif. International Code Council Government Relations Manager Susan Dowty was on hand to install the new Chapter officers. The new officers are President Scott Byrnes, Vice President Scott Zangrando, Secretary/Treasurer Greg Anderson, and Past-President Randy Goodwin.

ICC's Roblee honored for leadership, dedication by SWOBOA.

The Southwestern Ohio Building Officials Association presented ICC Government Relations Senior Regional Manager Corey M. Roblee with its Presidential Award during the Chapter's annual business meeting. Roblee was honored for his exemplary leadership and selfless acts of time and dedication to the Chapter over the years.

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