2016 Group B online code change modifications open.

In the 2015 code development cycle, ICC implemented new procedures that required all modifications to code changes to be submitted online. cdpACCESS is now open for modification submittals. As in the past, the process remains unchanged in terms of how the modifications are introduced and considered at the 2016 Committee Action Hearings, April 17-27, in Louisville, Ky. The only change is how they are submitted, posted and displayed in the hearing room. Click here for instructions. A video tutorial also is available on YouTube. ICC will conduct a webinar illustrating the process on April 11 at 11:00 a.m. Central. Pre-registration is not required.

Follow the Group B hearings results.

Can't attend the 2016 Group B Committee Action Hearings, April 17-27, in Louisville, Ky.? The hearings will be webcast live on the ICC website. View the schedule.

Registration remains open for the Group B hearings at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Click here for details.

Review deadline nears for proposed committee interpretations.

The review and comment period on proposed committee interpretations to Sections R302.5 and R302.6 of the 2015 International Residential Code will end April 20. The proposed Committee Interpretations can be viewed at www.iccsafe.org/technical-opinions/.

BSM sponsors are making building safety a priority.

ICC is grateful for the companies and organizations that are making building safety a priority by sponsoring Building Safety Month. This year's Major Sponsor for week 1 — Building Solutions for All Ages — is the American Institute of Architects.

Learn more about becoming a Building Safety Month sponsor.

BSM resources assist in building safety, fire prevention.

Building Safety Month sponsoring organization, the American Wood Council, is making building safety a priority by providing a wealth of information — including complimentary webinars, presentations and educational articles — for code professionals. Interested in providing answers within minutes to contractors and homeowners? View the Easy-to-Use Online Tools for Code Officials that was featured in Code Counts.

April Pools Day raises awareness of drowning dangers.

One of the leading reasons of accidental death for children less than four years of age in Southern Nevada is water-related incidents that result in drowning. Southern Nevada had nine fatal drowning incidents in 2015 — the most since 2009 — and the Southern Nevada Child Drowning Prevention Coalition is doing something about it with its April Pools Day event.

To our valued Building Safety Professional and Corporate Members.

Beginning April 1, the dues for Building Safety Professional and Corporate Member ICC Membership categories will increase slightly — $10 for Building Safety Professionals and $25 for Corporate Members. The new pricing will appear on the next member dues invoice, mailed during the renewal month. The increase will be reflected on renewals of existing members, reinstatement of cancelled memberships, and new applications for Building Safety Professional and Corporate Member benefits. ICC offers multi-year discounts on dues for savings. To see the current rates for member dues, visit here and click on your appropriate member reinstatement application.

ICC-ES expands SCC scope of accreditation to anchor products.

The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) expanded its current scope of accreditation through the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to include evaluation of post-installed anchor products, including both mechanical and adhesive type anchors, to the provisions of the National Building Code of Canada and CAN/CSA A23.3-14 Annex D qualification requirements of post-installed anchors. The new scope extension allows ICC-ES report holders to apply for recognition under the National Building Code of Canada and CAN/CSA A23.3-14 Annex D for anchor products that have been qualified to the requirements of ACI 355.2 and ACI 355.4.

Code Essentials of the 2015 IBC.

Separated occupancies. When a building contains multiple uses, the designer can choose to separate the occupancies from each other by construction having a fire-resistance rating. When the designer chooses this option, the building is considered to be a separated occupancy building. The hourly ratings of the fire separation are based on the requirements of 2015 International Building Code (IBC) Table 508.4.

ICC's Plan Review Institute returns.

Learn the latest in structural, nonstructural and residential plan reviews from nationally recognized code leaders Mike Giachetti, P.E., and John M. Gibson, Jr., MCP and CFM. The Plan Review Institute, April 25-29 in Baltimore, will be based on the 2015 I-Codes and is an opportunity to earn 3.0 CEUs while ensuring your plan review and code compliance knowledge is up-to-date. Register now for this popular and valuable training.

Paper competition announced for U.S. celebration of World Standards Day.

World Standards Day is celebrated annually around the world to increase awareness of the role that standards play in the global economy. To help celebrate the importance of standards, an annual paper competition is planned for individuals in the U.S. standards community. Authors may choose to address the 2016 World Standards Day theme — Standards Build Trust — with paper contest submissions due by 12:00 p.m. on August 19.

Code Counts Exclusive: Examining the impending labor shortage.

A recent article examines the trouble jurisdictions are having in filling vacant jobs for building inspectors, plan reviewers and code department managers since residential and commercial construction started ramping back up. Add to the mix the forecast that more than 80 percent of existing code professionals plan to retire by 2029, and few young replacements with building trades experience are lining up.

Montana honors Stevenson's dedication and service.

ICC Government Relations Senior Regional Manager Kraig Stevenson, CBO, was recognized for his continued service to the Chapters and jurisdictions in Montana with an award of appreciation from the Montana Chapter of the ICC and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Stevenson's leadership in championing the cause for safer buildings in Montana is derived from his dedication to the ICC organization and its core mission.

2016 ICC Chapter meetings & events.

Central NYSBOC holds 11th annual Educational Conference
Monroe County Fire Marshals meet in N.Y.
NHBOA acknowledges continued support of ICC GR's Bill Nash
Ashland, Ky., Mayor Charles signs 2016 BSM proclamation
Texas Association of Builders holds energy code training
Region 8 Code Official of the Year presented to Mark Matheny

ICC affiliate sponsors

Training & education opportunities

Upcoming shows & events