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2018–2019 Code Development Cycle schedule available; call for committees.

With the posting of the Final Action for the 2016 Group B Cycle, the 2018/2019 Code Development Schedule is now available. In conjunction with the posting of the 2018/2019 Schedule, a Call for Committee for 2018/2019 Cycle code committees and related cycle committees has been issued. The application deadline for 2018/2019 Cycle related committees is June 1. Also available is a Call for Committee for a new Water Efficiency Rating Index (WERi) Standard with an application deadline of March 17.

Take control of your career at ICC Summit.

Held in conjunction with the 25th Building Professional Institute educational program, ICC's Summit, May 22-26 at University of Texas at Arlington, will offer four unique and engaging educational tracks, Continuing Education Units, and an opportunity to take ICC Certification Exams.

Ramani announces retirement from International Accreditation Service.

International Accreditation Service (IAS) President C.P. "Chuck" Ramani will retire effective March 2018, capping a 44-year career in global conformity assessment and construction code enforcement.

"Chuck's departure will mark the end of the first chapter in the history of IAS," said IAS Board of Directors Chair James G. Toscas. "Chuck displayed amazing foresight when he initially pursued a dream that ultimately became IAS. He has always had a clear vision of what IAS should be, and could become. It is clear the organization would not be what it is today without his leadership."

Call for ICC awards nominations.

Nominations are now being accepted for International Code Council awards to honor individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and service to ICC and the building safety industry. These awards will be presented at various events, including, but not limited to, the 2017 ICC Annual Conference Sept. 10-12 in Columbus, Ohio. The deadline to submit nominations for this year's ICC Awards is March 31.

View more information on the Chapter/Regions Awards Program.

ICC Honorary Members call for nominations.

The ICC Board of Directors is requesting nominations for 2017 Honorary Members. An Honorary Member is a person who has rendered outstanding service to the ICC. The Honorary Member Committee will consider submitted nominations when compiling its list of candidates. The Board will present its list of potential Honorary Members for approval by Governmental Member Voting Representatives in attendance at the 2017 Annual Business Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

New publication combines model building code with statewide amendments for Washington.

The Evergreen State and the International Code Council will soon release a helpful resource that combines the 2015 International Building Code with customized amendments adopted statewide in Washington last July. The integrated 2015 International Building Code with Washington State Amendments will increase ease of use for building officials, local government, and industry and design professionals. The up-to-date requirements for commercial construction will help designers and contractors create safer, more resilient communities.

Don't miss weighing in on IFC Section 905.3.1.

A proposed committee interpretation to Section 905.3.1 (Height) of the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC) and Section [F] 905.3.1 (Height) of the 2015 International Building Code is posted for ICC Membership review and comment until March 10.

Significant changes to domestic range hoods.

In the 2012 edition, Section 505.1 required domestic hoods in dwellings to exhaust to the outdoors but allowed recirculating (ductless) exhaust hoods if other means of ventilation were provided. As revised, the scope of domestic kitchen hoods coverage has been expanded to beyond dwellings units. Domestic hoods are mandated in new Section 505.4.

ICC-ES launches new online Customer Portal System.

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) launched a new online Customer Portal System to better support new and existing ICC-ES clients. The system will allow new and existing clients to apply, track and review the status of their report application, while being able to apply for report revisions and review/pay invoices online via credit card. Users will first need to register and create an account.

International Code Council Government Relations Senior Vice President Sara Yerkes (center) and Government Relations Federal Activities Vice President Chris Ochoa (left) met recently with U.S. Representative Lou Barletta (R-PA) on Capitol Hill.

Codes & Saudi Vision 2030: Green building & sustainability.

The International Code Council — in partnership and cooperation with the Saudi Green Building Forum — held a one-day workshop at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce on the International Green Construction Code, areas related to green code development, and implementation and enforcement efforts.

Emmet building code official recognized by state association.

Emmet County Building Code Official Martie Van Berlo received the "Code Official of the Year Award" by the Code Officials Conference of Michigan for his work within his local jurisdiction and with the Code Officials Conference.

Don't miss ICC's Residential Inspection Institute.

Register now for the Residential Inspection Institute, March 27-31 in Austin, Texas. Based on the 2015 International Codes, this Institute is one of ICC's most popular trainings where you will go in-depth into residential building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical inspections based on the 2015 International Residential Code and learn how to describe multiple inspection processes.

Register by Feb. 20 & save up to $200.

A must-attend opportunity for anyone who needs building safety and construction training, EduCode 2017 features highly specialized courses for working professionals on topics essential for expanding your skills, and earning and maintaining certifications and other credentials.

Special training course offer for ICC Members.

For valued International Code Council Members, a Special Inspector Training course — co-sponsored by the Code Council and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute — is being offered at the discount rate of $75 (normally $195). Intended for those who conduct special inspections in the precast industry, this three-part course aims to ensure that inspectors are familiar with precast industry operations and codes.

Time to take a modern approach to building in tornado-prone areas.

With the recent violent weather outbreak this weekend causing more tornado deaths in one weekend than the year-long 2016 total, it's once again time to raise the issue of better building in tornado zones.

National Disaster Resilience Conference call for presentations open.

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes is calling for presentations for the 2017 National Disaster Resilience Conference: Science, Policy & Practice. This gathering of thought leaders, policymakers and subject matter experts from the disaster safety movement is the premier conference on disaster resilience and will be held Oct. 25-27 in Atlanta, Ga. The deadline for presentation submissions is March 2.

Reach the next generation of building professionals.

The construction industry is facing challenges in attracting and retaining talent to design, construct, operate and regulate buildings. The USA Science & Engineering Festival's Building Sciences Pavilion — to be held April 7-8, 2018, in Washington, D.C. — will help inspire and engage the next generation of building industry professionals. Don't miss your chance to participate.

Ignored building codes at center of Oakland warehouse fire talks.

The Ghost Ship fire was a matter of "benign neglect." It operated off the radar as an art collective, underground music performances venue, and home for dozens. The building was permitted as a one-story warehouse, not permitted for entertainment, not permitted for people to live in; both things that have reportedly come out that this warehouse was being used for. But the Ghost Ship is far from unique. There is no official count, but city officials privately estimate Oakland has some 50 such illegal communities existing in various states of repair and safety.

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 weekly run-down of the most compelling industry news stories concerning the safety, science and performance of the built environment.

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