View newsletter online

Connect with us.

"Manage the Damage — Preparing for Natural Disasters" is the theme for Building Safety Month's third week

Although we have little control over the occurrence of hazards and natural disasters in our communities, mitigation efforts such as building code adoption and enforcement are strong strategies that can ensure community resilience no matter what Mother Nature brings.

Accepting the inaugural Innovation in Code Administration award on behalf of the City of Saint Paul is Angie Wiese, PE, CBO, Fire Safety Manager of the Department of Safety and Inspections and Steve Ubl, Building Official of the Department of Safety and Inspections. Pictured (left-right): International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO; Government Relations Vice President of National Fire Service Activities Rob Neale; Angie Wiese; and Steve Ubl. Photo: Jocelyn Augustino | FEMA

Inaugural Innovation in Code Administration Award presented to Saint Paul, Minnesota

In recognition of its 10-year effort to reduce residential injuries, deaths and fires through a rental inspection program and property grading schedule, the International Code Council (ICC) awarded its 2017 ICC Innovation in Code Administration Award to the City of Saint Paul, Minn., Department of Safety and Inspections. The inaugural award was fittingly presented during the Code Council's annual Building Safety Month Reception on May 10 at the Council's Governmental Affairs Office in Washington, D.C.

During the annual Building Safety Month Reception last week, the Code Council presented a plaque to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in recognition of its 75th anniversary and long-standing sponsorship of Building Safety Month. NAHB is a principal sponsor of the third week of Building Safety Month and the annual rooftop reception, and a Founding Strategic Partner. Pictured (left-right): NAHB Vice President of Construction Codes and Standards Neil Burning, International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, and NAHB Chairman of the Construction Codes & Standards Committee Chip Dence. Photo: Jocelyn Augustino | FEMA

Course explains how IRC satisfies NFIP requirements for buildings

Mitigation efforts such as building code adoption help communities manage the damage of hazards and prepare for natural disasters. To improve your familiarity with the flood provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC) and how they relate to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floodplain managers, building officials, plan reviewers, inspectors, builders, and engineers and architects are encouraged to view the Flood Provisions of the International Residential Codes course — Part 1 and Part 2 — offered by the Code Council in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Annual Conference registration now open

Registration is officially open for ICC's 2017 Annual Conference and Expo. The Annual Conference takes place Sept. 10-13; the Building Safety & Design Expo will be Sept. 10-11 — all at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Register now to take advantage of early-bird savings.

Significant changes to the 2015 PMG codes

It has long been understood that fire and smoke dampers are not compatible with grease ducts, and the duct enclosure requirements clearly account for the lack of such dampers where the ducts penetrate walls, floors and ceilings. A modification to Section 506.3.11 (Grease Duct Enclosures) states that the code specifically prohibits the installation of fire and smoke dampers in grease ducts.

Project Qatar seminars focus on key environmental tech topics

Project Qatar 2017, an international trade exhibition for construction and environmental technology, building materials, and equipment featured key topics on various construction concerns in the Gulf Cooperation Council. International Code Council Executive Vice President of Business Development Mark Johnson presented "Cooperating to Advance Construction Codes in the Gulf Region". Project Qatar connects to ICC's ongoing Market Development Cooperator Program with ASTM International and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Welcome new & renewing providers

The International Code Council's Preferred Provider Program (PPP) opens the door to extensive training opportunities from a variety of educational resources. With more than 300 active in-person and online courses, the Code Council welcomes the Preferred Providers who joined the program or renewed their participation in April.

Register for free webinar on significant changes to 2018 IRC

Don't miss your chance to sign up for this free, ICC-sponsored, National Association of Home Builders' webinar on Significant Changes to the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). The live webinar — to be held 1:00-2:00 p.m. Central on May 25 — will focus on the energy provisions of Chapter 11 of the IRC and will identify regional code changes that may significantly impact construction.

ICC-ES & APA establish new combined product listing program

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) and APA — The Engineered Wood Association established a cooperative agreement, offering a new combined product listing program to manufacturers of cross laminated timber (CLT) products. This new program will feature a combined listing report, certifying CLT products for compliance with the ANSI/APA PRG 320 Standard for Performance-Rated Cross-Laminated Timber.

Free safe room & storm shelter webinars

Safe rooms and storm shelter construction have increased in states that are most vulnerable to strong and violent tornadoes, and are required for some buildings constructed in accordance with the 2015 International Building Code. Code Council Members are invited to participate in two free, one-hour safe room webinars.

FEMA P-320 webinar on May 22 will cover small site-built safe rooms for residential and small business applications.

FEMA P-361 webinar on May 25 will address safe room emergency management considerations, design and construction criteria, and differences between FEMA criteria and ICC 500-14.

Secure your spot in next month's institute

Attend ICC's Residential Inspection Institute to learn from nationally recognized code professionals how to perform inspections in compliance with the 2015 International Residential Code. You'll earn 3.0 CEUs, receive answers to your tricky code questions, and discuss emerging code compliance issues and challenges specific to residential inspections.

Interesting global construction trivia

Do you know the secret to building permits? World-famous magician Penn Jillette lends his talents to help promote building permits for Clark County's Building and Fire Prevention Department in recognition of Building Safety Month in a colorful 30-second PSA.

ICC affiliate sponsors