First step in Group A voting process continues through Jan. 25.

The first step in the two-step electronic online voting process to resolve the voting issues at the 2015 Group A Public Comment Hearings (PCH) is now live. Eligible voters will be limited to those who were issued an electronic voting device at the PCH in Long Beach, Calif. Eligible voters whose votes were not recorded by the voting system, or those who did not vote, are permitted to vote online at this time. Votes that were recorded by the system in Long Beach cannot be changed. Individuals who are not voting can still view the ballots. This first step in the online voting process will remain open through Jan. 25. ICC is hosting webinars to assist with each phase of the voting process. Read more.

Registration is open for the Group B Committee Action Hearings.

Registration is open for the 2016 Group B Committee Action Hearings April 17-27 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky. The hearings offer code and fire officials, architects, builders, engineers, designers and energy conservation professionals an opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the Group B International Codes. To participate in the Online Governmental Consensus Vote that follows the hearings, ICC Governmental Memberships must be current by March 18. Details are available at www.iccsafe.org/EVDS.

ICC supports hearing on productivity in the building industry.

This past fall, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) held a Representative Hearing on Productivity and the Workforce. Based on testimony provided by representatives from a broad group of industry organizations, NIBS has developed an infographic to identify the major themes that will help the industry address the productivity challenges. ICC was a supporter of the hearing. Read more.

ICC files amicus curiae brief in support of ASTM, ASHRAE, NFPA.

This amicus curiae brief was filed by ICC in support of the motion for summary judgment filed by ASTM, ASHRAE and NFPA in their federal lawsuit against Publicresource.org. ICC filed this brief to encourage the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to uphold copyright protection for codes that are incorporated by reference into the law, thereby denying Publicresource.org's cross-motion for summary judgment.

ICC-ES PMG gets EPA approval to certify flushometer-valve water closets.

The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Listing Program has been approved as a licensed certifier of flushometer-valve water closets. The approval was granted by the Environmental Protection Agency under its WaterSense program that is designed to help save water and the environment. "With this approval, ICC-ES, the industry's leading product evaluation and listing company, gives plumbing manufacturers the best choice for their certification needs," said Program Director Dawn LaFleur-Qualley.

ICC-SRCC moves to Washington D.C.

The Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (ICC-SRCC) relocated its headquarters to Washington, D.C., to better serve the needs of its participants and industry. Please make a note of the new address: ICC-SRCC | 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW | 6th Floor | Washington, D.C. 20001.

ICC's HSTTP receives enthusiastic reception in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Building Officials Conference and the Pennsylvania Builders Association's Workforce Development and Education Committee both contributed effort and support to provide future construction professionals the tools necessary to have a successful and prosperous career in the construction industry through commitment to the International Code Council (ICC) High School Technical Training Program (HSTTP). Read more.

GR staff experience what it takes to be a firefighter.

Several members of ICC's Government Relations team experienced routine fire service activities up close and personal during the 20th annual Congressional Fire Training Day hosted by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI). Sponsored by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the fire training day was a unique educational experience for GR staff to learn the tools and skills that America's firefighters use every day in their daily work and training.

Code Essentials of the 2015 IBC.

The basics of the ICC code development process (CDP), including the latest information on cdpACCESS, ICC's cloud-based system for the CDP that allows users to create, collaborate, review, submit and vote (if eligible) on code change proposals and public comments, is covered in the 2015 International Building Code (IBC).

(This information is excerpted from the Building Code Essentials based on the 2015 International Building Code.)

Don't miss ICC's Residential Inspection Institute, based on the 2015 I-Codes.

Register now for the Residential Inspection Institute, Feb. 29-March 4 in Austin, Texas. Based on the 2015 I-Codes, the Residential Inspection Institute is one of ICC's most popular trainings. Instructors Jerry Flanik, MCP, and John Gibson, MCP and CFM, bring decades of code and industry experience to the classroom. During this five-day training, you will go in-depth into residential building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical inspections based on the 2015 IRC and learn how to describe multiple inspection processes. Make your plans now to network with peers, earn 3.0 CEUs and keep your residential inspection skills current.

Join ICC's Preferred Education Provider Program.

Michelle Kam-Biron, PE, SE, SECB, director of education at the American Wood Council explains why her organization became a Preferred Education Provider: "Being an ICC Preferred Education Provider was vital in enabling American Wood Council (AWC) to extend our reach to Code Officials, a primary target audience. It provides an added level of quality control and validation of the programs AWC creates and assures attendees of a certain standard of care with the education provided."

Learn more about becoming a Preferred Education Provider.

Future of architecture seen in urban Framework tower.

The 12-story "Framework" high-rise tower is a glimpse into the future of urban architecture where wood is becoming less of an antiquated building material. The structure uses cross-laminated wood panels as building supports, created by pressing planks of wood together with the grain alternating directions, until they make one, huge beam. Safety restrictions, originally designed to prevent structures made with conventional wood from collapsing, are still in place, and Framework will still use some concrete as the foundation for the building in its design. Read more.

New list of America's hottest construction markets.

Only 15 major U.S. metropolitan areas increased the number of jobs in their construction sectors by at least 10 percent during 2015 — among them Boise, Idaho, experienced a rise of 18.5 percent in construction employment during 2015, and Las Vegas grew by 15.9 percent. Click here for a quick rundown of the top 15.

Where the water is flowing... new plumbing technology trends.

When you think about all of the categories in a home improvement store where technology has had an impact, plumbing may not be the first to come to mind. However, technology is playing an increasingly important role in the plumbing department in the form of kitchen and bath design, sanitary living spaces or reduced environmental impact, according to an article on Hardware Retailing.

2016 ICC Chapter meetings & events.

REACO Chapter installs officers, directors in Petaluma, Calif.

NYSBOC Westchester Chapter supports students with special needs.

SoCal Fire Prevention Officers meet in Brea, Calif.

ICC affiliate sponsors

Training & education opportunities

Upcoming shows & events