Preliminary 2015 Group A OGCV results available.

The 2015 Group A Online Governmental Consensus Vote (OGCV) was conducted Feb. 8-21 and the preliminary results are available. This document is presented in response to requests for Group A results information as it may relate to 2016 Group B code change submittals that are due to be posted on March 8. These results are not final as they are subject to certification by the Validation Committee and confirmation by the ICC Board in accordance with Section 10.1 of CP 28 Code Development. The 2015 Group A Final Action results, including vote tallies from both the Public Comment Hearing and OGCV, will be posted following certification in accordance with Section 10.4 of CP 28.

Update your 2016 Voter Representative information.

The Electronic Voter Validation site is an easy-to-use online portal to check and update your 2016 Governmental Member Voting Representative information. Please keep in mind that your Member status and 2016 Voting Representative information must up-to-date by March 18, 2016, in order to participate in the Group B Committee Action Hearings in Louisville, Ky., in April.

Deadline is March 6 for proposed IMC committee interpretation.

The ICC Membership review and comment period on a proposed committee interpretation to Section 507.2.1 of the 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC) ends March 6. The proposed Committee Interpretation can be viewed at www.iccsafe.org/technical-opinions.

ICC, RESNET promoting new standard for IECC Energy Rating Index Compliance Alternative.

This week the Code Council joined the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) at its annual conference to debut the new ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2014, Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Low-Rise Residential Buildings using an Energy Rating Index. This ANSI-approved standard will help provide guidance in the application of the Energy Rating Index Compliance Alternative contained in Section R406 of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. In addition to introducing the standard during the conference, Mark Johnson, Executive Vice President & Director of Business Development and Product Development, hosted a seminar on the "Career Opportunities of HERS Raters becoming ICC Certified Energy Code Inspectors" and how becoming third-party energy code inspectors is an emerging opportunity in jurisdictions that have adopted an Energy Rating Index compliance option.

Code Essentials of the 2015 IBC.

Institutional occupancies. According to the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), whenever a building houses people who cannot help themselves in case of an emergency, it is classified as a Group I occupancy. This classification has four subcategories of uses.

Register by March 4 to save $200 on EduCode 2016.

A must-attend opportunity for anyone who needs building safety and construction training, EduCode 2016 features highly specialized courses for working professionals on topics essential for expanding your skills, and earning and maintaining certifications and other credentials.

Is agency accreditation the future of quality service?

What do the fire prevention bureaus for the state of Florida and the village of Tinley Park, Ill., have in common? They are the only jurisdictions in the United States recognized by the International Accreditation Service as fully accredited fire prevention and life safety departments. Accreditation demonstrates to residents, customers and taxpayers they are getting the highest quality service as identified by a leading panel of fire protection and code compliance experts. Why should your agency be accredited?

Website provides latest information on copyright infringement lawsuit against IAPMO.

ICC has created a microsite to provide the latest information about the copyright infringement lawsuit filed last month against the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The site contains news and updates, copies of important legal documents, frequently asked questions, and other information about the case. Click here to view the site.

How BOAT became a leader in post-disaster damage assessment.

Recently, Texas has seen more disasters than most other U.S. states, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, explosions, tornados, severe weather and even earthquakes. Following the mutual aid program structure that police, fire and emergency management departments use to provide statewide initial disaster response in devastated areas, the Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT) has become a leader in providing post-disaster damage assessment.

How building departments can help prevent lead poisoning.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is looking to collaborate with building departments in promoting contractors' safe use of lead-safe work practices to reduce exposure to lead. There are multiple ways in which building departments can play a pivotal role in educating contractors in their communities about the importance of safely working with lead-based paint in renovation, repair and painting projects. Read more.

Reframing resilience at the AIA 2015 Resilience Summit.

What makes a community "resilient"? What are the primary threats communities need to be resilient against? Who is responsible for creating and maintaining resilience at the community level, and how does one community learn from another? Architecture, engineering and construction leaders convened at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) inaugural 2015 Resilience Summit to tackle these questions. Read the report of the proceedings.

Taiwan developers arrested over earthquake-collapsed building.

Three former executives of the Weiguan company were arrested on charges of professional negligence as prosecutors look into allegations of shoddy building practices following the collapse of the 17-story Golden Dragon apartment complex in the city of Tainan, Taiwan.

Homeowner arrested for threatening building inspector.

A building inspector who arrived at the home of a Colorado Springs man to inspect a recent roof installation was threatened with a handgun by the homeowner. See how other code professionals are responding to the increased threat of violence against them in the field.

In Memoriam: Construction industry pioneer John Tishman.

One of the most prolific builders of the 20th century, John L. Tishman died of respiratory failure Feb. 6 in Bedford, N.Y., leaving a legacy written into the skylines of many major American cities that will be hard to match. The builder of conspicuous structures such as the World Trade Center towers in New York, the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World in Orlando and the John Hancock Center in Chicago, Tishman was an important innovator in the construction industry.

2016 ICC Chapter meetings & events.

Ventura Region Chapter installs new officers
FMAU Chapter installs 2016 officers
ICC San Diego Chapter holds meeting
MBOIA speaks to Maine legislators on the benefits of codes
ICC San Joaquin Chapter holds meeting in Kingsburg
MFCA holds legislative breakfast in Maine

ICC affiliate sponsors

Training & education opportunities

Upcoming shows & events