View newsletter online

Connect with us.

cdpACCESS to open Oct. 2 for Group A code cycle

Get your proposals ready. The International Code Council's cloud-based system for the code development process — cdpACCESS — is scheduled to open on Oct. 2 for the 2018/2019 Group A code change cycle. The Group A cycle will include egress, fire safety and general provisions of the International Building Code; mechanical and plumbing provisions of the International Residential Code; and code changes to the International Fire, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Plumbing, Property Maintenance, Private Sewage and Disposal, Swimming Pool and Spa, Wildland Urban-Interface, and Zoning Codes.

View the 2018/2019 ICC Code Development Schedule for details and important dates.

An American Red Cross emergency response vehicle surveys the extent of damage to a Wharton, Texas, neighborhood caused by Hurricane Harvey. Photo: Chuck Haupt, American Red Cross

Making a difference together: ICC members raise $110K

With your generous support, we reached our matching donation goal in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. With the ICC match, together we have raised over $110,000 for American Red Cross disaster relief! You donated over $48,000 — $15,270 of which was from the conference double-match challenge — and ICC matched with a $64,000 donation. We thank you all for your support.

Unfortunately, hurricane season is still going strong, and Hurricane Maria recently hit Puerto Rico. The Red Cross is always accepting donations to help with disaster relief — click here to donate through the Red Cross website.

We are an association of 64,000 members and counting, and together we make a difference. Learn about other ways you can help.

Head off fraud following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

The aftermath of a natural disaster and the process of rebuilding unfortunately brings out its own set of "stormchasers" looking to make fast money off vulnerable people rebuilding homes following major disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The Code Council offers the following tips on how construction fraud occurs, what to watch out for to avoid being scammed and help curtail the amount of fraud.

Gary Lewis (right) receives the 2017 ICC Fire Service Award from ICC Awards Committee Chairman Richard Truitt at the ICC Members' Luncheon during the ICC Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Gary Lewis receives 2017 ICC Fire Service Award

The ICC Fire Service Award is given to a member whose professional abilities and leadership serve as an example to all fire prevention and fire protection professionals. It is presented in honor of Robert W. Gain, a founder of the Uniform Fire Code and prominent member of the organizations that created the International Fire Code. The 2017 ICC Fire Service Award was given to Gary Lewis for his dedication to fire prevention protection and education.

ICC President's Award presented to new voting devices team

ICC Board of Directors Immediate Past President Dwayne Garriss presented his 2017 President's Award to the team of people who developed the new voting devices that were used at the Annual Business Meeting during Tuesday night's Annual Banquet. The team includes Tabinda Akhtar, Imran Haq, Reuven Hicks, Zubair Kaleemulla, Marcin Michalek, Laurie Rich, Sean Stanhibel and Rick Szentkiralyi. The award is based on the selection by the President of a recipient worthy of special recognition for service to the International Code Council.

Call for input on three ICC standards

The ICC Consensus Committees on Landscape Irrigation Emission Devices (IS-IEDC), Storm Shelters (IS-STM) and Residential High-Wind Construction (IS-RHW) will be developing the next edition of their respective standards, ICC 802-2014, ICC 500-2014 and ICC 600-2014. Suggested revisions or additions to the standards will be accepted until the Oct. 20 deadline.

Calls for ICC standards committees

ICC is currently seeking applications for the IS-IEDC Landscape Irrigation Emission Devices Standard Consensus Committee (ICC-802), the IS-STM Consensus Committee on Storm Shelters (ICC 500) and the IS-RHW Consensus Committee Residential Construction in High Wind Regions (ICC 600). Volunteers are one of the most important assets of the International Code Council. Read more on this opportunity to serve on an ICC standards committee.

Free webinar showcases powerful codes tool

Join us for a 60-minute free webinar offering a walkthrough of the features found on ICC's digital library premiumACCESS. Learn how to use this powerful online tool to get the most out of the codes. The next webinar is Sept. 27 at 12:00 p.m. CDT.

In-demand Plan Review Institute returns

The Code Council's sellout event — the Plan Review Institute, Oct. 2-6 in Chicago — returns with nationally recognized instructor John M. Gibson Jr. This five-day event will include interactive exercises that detail best practices for performing residential, structural and nonstructural plan reviews. Register today.

Why you should join an exam development committee

By serving on an Exam Development Committee, you can share your expertise and help ensure the credibility and validity of ICC certifications, as well as earn CEUs, contribute to exam development, promote building and fire safety, and add to your professional credentials. Visit the Exam Development Committee Applicant Snapshot for details. Applications are due by Oct. 20.

Significant changes to the 2015 IRC

Retaining walls, freestanding walls not supported at the top, with more than 48 inches of unbalanced backfill must be designed by an engineer. Retaining walls resisting additional lateral loads and with more than 24 inches of unbalanced backfill must also be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.

Do your part, be septic smart during SepticSmart Week 2017

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency kicked off its annual SepticSmart Week to encourage American homeowners and communities to properly maintain their septic systems. Improperly installed and unmaintained septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses and household toxins into local waterways. The International Code Council recognizes the need for a modern, up-to-date code that addresses the safe and sanitary installation of individual sewage disposal systems. The new 2018 International Private Sewage Disposal Code is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.

ICC welcomes Kelly Sadler to Government Relations team

ICC named Kelly D. Sadler, J.D., as its new Government Relations Regional Manager for Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Sadler brings 16 years of legislative and private-sector industry experience to serve ICC's jurisdictions, members and chapters.

Learn more about energy storage

The energy storage landscape in the southeast U.S. is building momentum and forging a path for continued growth of the energy storage markets, policy and technology. The Southeast Energy Storage Symposium will be held Sept. 27-28 in Birmingham, Ala., and offers an opportunity to connect and discuss with renowned professionals from the energy sector.

WaterSense hits milestone of 2.1 trillion gallons of water saved

Since the launch of WaterSense in 2006, WaterSense and its nearly 2,000 partners have surpassed 2.1 trillion gallons in water savings. That amount is greater than all of the water used by U.S. households for 75 days.

What we're reading, following & covering

There's a lot happening — domestically and globally — in building safety, fire prevention, sustainability and resiliency right now. Our aim is to provide busy professionals like you with a run-down of the most compelling industry news stories concerning the safety, science and performance of the built environment.

ICC affiliate sponsors